Woman

November 22, 2006 at 4:35 am | In Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

A ‘woman’ is a female human. The term woman (irregular plural: women) usually is used for an adult, with the term girl being the usual term for a female child or adolescent. However, the term woman is also sometimes used to identify a female human, regardless of age, as in phrases such as “Women’s rights”.

Etymology

The English term “Man” (from Proto-Germanic mannaz “man, person”) and words derived therefrom can designate any or even all of the human race regardless of their gender or age. This is indeed the oldest usage of “Man” in English. This derives from a Proto-Indo-European root *man-” meaning hand. A similar cognate is Old Norse “mund”, hand. The distinctive and dexterous hands of humans, compared to those of other animals, are the basis of this term and the similarly derived term, “manual”, by hand.

In Old English the words wer and wyf (also wæpman and wifman) were what was used to refer to “a man” and “a woman” respectively, and “Man” was gender neutral. In Middle English man displaced wer as term for “male human”, whilst wyfman (which eventually evolved into woman) was retained for “female human”. “Man” does continue to carry its original sense of “Human” however, resulting in an asymmetry sometimes criticized as sexist. [1] (See also Womyn.)

The symbol for the planet Venus is the sign also used in biology for the female gender (in species with a male gender; all species have females but many have no males): a stylized representation of the goddess Venus’s hand mirror or an abstract symbol for the goddess: a circle with a small equilateral cross underneath (Unicode: ♀). The Venus symbol also represented femininity, and in ancient alchemy stood for copper. Alchemists constructed the symbol from a circle (representing spirit) above an equilateral cross (representing matter).

Age and terminology

Painting by William Adolphe Bouguereau- Bather

Womanhood is the period in a female’s life after she has transitioned from girlhood, at least physically, having passed the menarche. Many cultures have rites of passage to symbolize a woman’s coming of age, such as confirmation in some branches of Christianity, bat mitzvah in Judaism, or even just the custom of a special celebration for a certain birthday (generally between 12 and 21).

The word woman can be used generally, to mean any female human, or specifically, to mean an adult female human as contrasted with girl. The word girl originally meant “young person of either sex” in English; it was only around the beginning of the 16th century that it came to mean specifically a female child. Nowadays girl sometimes is used colloquially to refer to a young or unmarried woman. During the early 1970s feminists challenged such use, and use of the word to refer to a fully grown woman may cause offence. In particular previously common terms like office girl are no longer used.

Conversely, in certain cultures which link family honor with female virginity, the word girl is still used to refer to a never-married woman; in this sense it is used in a fashion roughly analogous to the obsolete English maid or maiden. Referring to an unmarried female as woman may, in such a culture, imply that she is sexually experienced, which would be an insult to her family.

In some settings, the use of girl to refer to an adult female is a vestigial practice (such as girls’ night out), even among some elderly women. In this sense, girl may be considered to be the analogue to the British word bloke for a man, although it again fails to meet the parallel status as an adult and the only true American English parallel to girl is boy. Some feminists cite this lack of an informal yet respectful term for women as misogynistic; they regard non-parallel usages, such as men and girls, as sexist.

There are various words used to refer to the quality of being a woman. The term “womanhood” merely means the state of being a woman, having passed the menarche; “femininity” is used to refer to a set of supposedly typical female qualities associated with a certain attitude to gender roles; “womanliness” is like “femininity”, but is usually associated with a different view of gender roles; “femaleness” is a general term, but is often used as shorthand for “human femaleness”; “distaff” is an archaic adjective derived from women’s conventional role as a spinner, now used only as a deliberate archaism; “muliebrity” is a “neologism” (derived from the Latin) meant to provide a female counterpart of “virility”, but used very loosely, sometimes to mean merely “womanhood”, sometimes “femininity”, and sometimes even as a collective term for women.

Biology and gender

The human female reproductive system

In terms of biology, the female sex organs are involved in the reproductive system, whereas the secondary sex characteristics are involved in nurturing children or, in some cultures, attracting a mate. The ovaries, in addition to their regulatory function producing hormones, produce female gametes called eggs which, when combined with male gametes (sperm), can mature into new individuals. The uterus is an organ with tissue to protect and nurture the developing fetus and muscle to expel it when giving birth. The vagina is used in copulation and birthing (although the word vagina is sometimes colloquially or ignorantly used for the vulva or external female genitalia, which also includes the labia, the clitoris, and the female urethra). The breast evolved from the sweat gland to produce milk, a nutritious secretion that is the most distinctive characteristic of Mammals. In mature women, the breast is generally more prominent than in most other mammals; this prominence, not necessary to produce milk, is probably at least partially the result of sexual selection. (For other ways in which men commonly differ physically from women, see Man.)

An imbalance of maternal hormonal levels and some chemicals (or drugs) may alter the secondary sexual characteristics of fetuses. Most women have the karyotype 46,XX, but around one in a thousand will be 47,XXX, and one in 2500 will be 45,X. This contrasts with the typical male karotype of 46,XY; thus, the X and Y chromosomes are known as female and male, respectively. Unlike the Y chromosome, the X can come from either the mother or the father, thus genetic studies which focus on the female line use mitochondrial DNA.

Biological factors are not the sole determinants of whether persons can be considered, or consider themselves, women. Some women can have abnormal hormonal or chromosomal differences (such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia, complete or partial androgen insensitivity syndrome, or other intersex conditions), and there are women who may have, or have had prior to surgical intervention, physiology that would be considered typical in a male (trans, transgendered or transsexual women; there are varying social, legal, and individual definitions with regard to this issue). (See gender identity.)

Although fewer females than males are born (the ratio is around 1:1.05), due to a longer life expectancy there are only 81 men aged 60 or over for every 100 women of the same age, and among the oldest populations, there are only 53 men for every 100 women. Women have a lower death rate than men, and on average, live five years longer. This is due to a combination of factors: genetics (redundant and varied genes present on sex chromosomes in women); sociology (such as not being expected in most countries to perform military service); health-impacting choices (such as suicide or the use of cigarettes, and alcohol); the presence of the female hormone estrogen, which has a cardioprotective effect in premenopausal women; and the effect of high levels of androgens in men. Out of the total human population, there are 101.3 men for every 100 women (source: 2001 World Almanac).

After the onset of menarche, most women are able to become pregnant and bear children. This generally requires internal fertilization of her eggs with the sperm of a man through sexual intercourse, though artificial insemination or the surgical implantation of an existing embryo is also possible (see reproductive technology). The study of female reproduction and reproductive organs is called gynaecology. Women generally reach menopause in their late 40s or early 50s, at which point their ovaries cease producing estrogen and they can no longer become pregnant.

To a large extent, women suffer from the same illnesses as men. However, there are some diseases that primarily affect women, such as lupus. Also, there are some sex-related illnesses that are found more frequently or exclusively in women, e.g., breast cancer, cervical cancer, or ovarian cancer. Women and men may have different symptoms of an illness and may also respond differently to medical treatment. This area of medical research is studied by gender-based medicine.

During early fetal development, embryos of both sexes appear female; the release of testosterone is what changes the female appearance to the male.

Culture and gender roles

A Bengali or Bangladeshi woman weaving. Textile work has historically been considered a female occupation in some cultures.

In many prehistoric cultures, women assumed a particular cultural role. In hunter-gatherer societies, women were generally the gatherers of plant foods, small animal foods, fish, and learned to use dairy products, while men hunted meat from large animals. Because of their intimate knowledge of plant life, most anthropologists assert that it was women who led the Neolithic Revolution and became history’s first pioneers of agriculture. ^{[citation needed]}

In more recent history, the gender roles of women have changed greatly. Traditional gender roles for middle-class women typically involved domestic tasks emphasizing child care, and did not involve entering employment for wages. For poorer women, especially among the working classes, this often remained an ideal, for economic necessity has long compelled them to seek employment outside the home, although the occupations traditionally open to working-class women were lower in prestige and pay than those open to men. Eventually, restricting women from wage labor came to be a mark of wealth and prestige in a family, while the presence of working women came to mark a household as being lower-class.

The women’s movement is in part a struggle for the recognition of equality of opportunity with men, and for equal rights irrespective of gender, even if special relations and conditions are willingly incurred under the form of partnership involved in marriage. The difficulties of obtaining this recognition are due to historical factors combined with the habits and customs history has produced. Through a combination of economic changes and the efforts of the feminist movement in recent decades women in most societies now have access to careers beyond the traditional one of “homemaker”. Despite these advances, modern women in Western society still face challenges in the workplace as well as with the topics of education, violence, health care, politics, and motherhood, and others. Sexism can be a main concern and barrier for woman almost anywhere, though its forms, perception, and gravity varies between societies and social classes. (Sexism affects men as well, though the roles it leaves open for men are most commonly equal- or higher-status.)

These changes and struggles are among the foci of the academic field of women’s studies.

Women’s rights

November 22, 2006 at 4:27 am | In Uncategorized | 2 Comments

The term women’s rights typically refers to freedoms inherently possessed by women and girls of all ages, which may be institutionalized or illegitimately suppressed by law or custom in a particular society. These liberties are grouped together and differentiated from broader notions of human rights because they often differ from the freedoms inherently possessed and/or recognized by men and boys, and because activism surrounds this issue claims an inherent historical and traditional bias against the exercise of rights by women. These differences are at least partially socially constructed rather than biologically immutable conditions. See articles about women, the term some feminists see as a “gender unbiased term.”

Issues commonly associated with notions of women’s rights include, though are not limited to:

The right to bodily integrity and autonomy,
The right to vote,
The right to hold public office,
The right to work,
The right to fair wages,
The right to own property,
The right to education,
Marital rights,
Parental rights,
Religious rights,
The right to serve in the military, and

The right to enter into legal contracts.

Notable women’s rights activists

Guru Nanak (1469-1539) The founder of Sikhism also promoted equal rights for Women
Qasim Amin (1863-1908) – Egyptian jurist, early advocate of women’s rights in Islamic society
Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906) – American civil rights leader and suffragette, co-founder of the National Woman’s Suffrage Association, tried for casting a vote in the 1872 presidential election
Luisa Capetillo (1879-1922) – Puerto Rican labor union suffragette; jailed for wearing pants in public
Unity Dow (born 1959) – Botswanan judge and writer, plaintiff in a case that allowed children of Botswanan women and foreign nationals to be considered Batswana
Carolyn Egan (birthdate unknown) – Canadian-American trade unionist and feminist, advocate for women’s reproductive rights, including access to birth control, abortion, and sex education
Nawal el-Saadawi (born 1931) – Egyptian writer and doctor, advocate for women’s health and equality
Marianne Hainisch (1839-1936) – Austrian activist, proponent of women’s right to work and to receive education
Sor Juana (c. 1651-1695) – Mexican nun, scholar, and proponent of women’s education
Raden Adjeng Kartini (1879-1904) – Javanese advocate for native Indonesian women, critic of polygamous marriages and lack of education opportunities for women
Begum Ra’ana Liaquat Ali Khan (1905-1990) – Indian-Pakistani activist, founder of the All Pakistan Women’s Association, organizer of women’s nursing and first aid corps to help refugees in Delhi despite public resistance to women working outside the home
Jyotiba Phule (1827-1890) – Indian social reformer, critic of the caste system, founded a school for girls, a widow-remarriage initiative, a home for upper caste widows, and a home for infant girls to discourage female infanticide
Dora Russell (1894-1986) – British progressive campaigner, advocate of marriage reform, birth control and female emancipation
Hoda Shaarawi (1879-1947) – Egyptian feminist, organizer for the Mubarrat Muhammad Ali (women’s social service organization), the Union of Educated Egyption Women and the Wafdist Women’s Central Committee, founder and first president of the Egyptian Feminist Union
Shamima Shaikh (1960-1998) – South African activist, member of the Muslim Youth Movement of South Africa, proponent of Islamic gender equality
Kate Sheppard (1847-1934) – New Zealand suffragette, influential in winning voting rights for women in 1893 (the first national election in which women were allowed to vote)
Elizabeth Cady Stanton (1815-1902) – American social activist, abolitionist, and suffragette, organizer of the 1848 Women’s Rights Convention, co-founder of the National Woman’s Suffrage Association and the International Council of Women
Ida B. Wells (1862-1931) – American civil rights and anti-lynching activist, suffragette noted for her refusal to avoid media attention because she was African American
Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797) – author of A Vindication of the Rights of Women, advocate of women’s equality and rationality
Emmeline Pankhurst (1858 – 1928) was one of the founders of the British suffragette movement

Freedoms granted by religions

Religion	Roman Catholicism	Protestantism	Islam	Hinduism	Buddhism	Sikhism	Judaism	Neopaganism
Right to vote	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Hold Public Office	Yes	Yes	Part	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
to Work	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Equal pay	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Own Property	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Education	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Marriage	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Parenting	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Religious Office	Part	Part	No	Yes	Part	Yes	Yes	Yes
Lead a religious assembly	No	Part	No	No	No	Yes	Part	Yes
Military Service	Part	Part	Part	Part	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Legal Contract	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Sikhism

The Sikh religion grants women equal status in most aspects of life. Women are allowed to lead religious assemblies; to perform Kirtan (Congregational hymn singing); become members of religious management committees; to lead armies on the battlefield; equality in marriage; equality in Amrit; etc

Guru Nanak (1469-1539) the founder Sikh Guru is probably the first recorded religious prophet to grant women equal rights as men. The primary teachings of Sikhism are recorded in the Sikh holy book called the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. He is quoted in this Granth to have said:

From woman, man is born; within woman, man is conceived;
to woman he is engaged and married.
Woman becomes his friend; through woman, the future generations come.
When his woman dies, he seeks another woman; to woman he is bound.
So why call her bad? From her, kings are born.
From woman, woman is born; without woman, there would be no one at all.
— Guru Nanak, Raag Aasaa Mehal 1, SGGS, Page 473

In the East, up until 1500’s, women had generally being treated almost as untouchable and had very few rights. ¹ They were subjected to highly degrading practises like Purdah (wearing of a veil to cover their face as a sign of inferiority and submission); Sati, the killing of the wife on the dead husband’s funeral pyre; child marriage, when girls of between 5 and 10 years old were married off, without their consent or knowledge; Dowry, the giving of expensive gifts by the bride’s family to the groom’s family in agreement to the wedding; etc. To root out these century old habits, the Guru spoke clearly and in simple terms to influence the masses

To reinforce the message of equality among the genders, the Sikh founder Guru further says in the Sikh holy book Sri Guru Granth Sahib that God’s light shine in both men and women thus: “In the earth and in the sky, I do not see any second. Among all the women and the men, His Light is shining. (3)” (SGGS page 223). To further remove the long ingrained prejudices of the masses, Guru Nanak also says that both men and women are created by the Lord thus: “He Himself created all women and men; the Lord Himself plays every play.” (SGGS page 304) and again “Women and men, all the men and women, all came from the One Primal Lord God.” (SGGS page 983). Further to make sure that people of both the Muslim and Hindu religions were listening, Bhagat Kabir say this: “You fashioned all these men and women, Lord. All these are Your Forms. Kabeer is the child of God, Allah, Raam. All the Gurus and prophets are mine. ||5||” (SGGS page 1349), mentioning that “God”, Allah (the Muslim name for God) and Raam (the Hindu name for God) are all honoured.

From the 1500’s, the women in India had support from the Sikh Gurus and the wrongful practise of discrimination against women very slowly began to disappear from this region. However, due to entrenched position of various sub-cultures within the sub-continent, cases of gender discrimination are still present in small numbers in various parts of this region, especially in rural communities.

Break-up survival guide

October 12, 2006 at 10:46 pm | In More of you | Leave a Comment

Losing a loved one is never easy. Even when the loss is your choice, it isn’t easy. Whether a person experiences a break up of a relationship, a death of a loved one or another powerful loss, there are predictable stages one goes through, predictable feelings one feels. Relationship Coach Rinatta Paries shares some tips to help you get through it all.

Five stages of coping
Swiss-born psychiatrist Dr Elisabeth Kubler-Ross described the five classic stages of the coping with grief and loss. According to Kubler-Ross, a person experiencing loss will go through all of the stages, in any order.

The five stages are:

Denial
Resentment
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance

Loss and subsequent grieving is a powerful, transformative time. It is a time to take care of yourself, to let go of the past and to create a future. Unfortunately, many people get stuck in one of the stages of grief, unable to complete their process and move on.

If you are experiencing loss and grief right now, if you have recently ended or are in the process of ending a relationship, I would like to support you in moving through it in an empowering way. I’ve created the following list of suggestions for you to keep handy to help you cope:

Remember that you…

will feel pain
have survived this type of pain before and will this time as well
will feel lonely
are OK and lovable

Accept that…

the relationship is over
your ex partner has both good and bad qualities; do not idealize or discount him/her

Focus on…

yourself
personal growth
self care

Get complete with…

yourself
your ex

Own…

the magnificence of who you are
your part in the relationship break-up

Give yourself time to…

grieve
be alone
recover

Make sure that you…

get touch, from friends or a body therapist
have someone to come home to sometimes, like a relative or a friend

Reinvent…

your community
yourself
your future
your dreams

If you’re experiencing the end of a short-term relationship, consider the following:

Realize that…

the pain you feel is not about your ex partner, but about your past
if you start healing your past, the pain will subside
holding on to anger at an ex partner will keep you attached and in pain

Get complete with…

your ex partner
all of your ex partners
your parents

Give yourself…

room to grieve
room to growBuild for yourself…
- a community
- self-esteem
- a life that you love
Whether you are ending a long-term or a short-term relationship:
- don’t look for a new relationship until you are done grieving
- trust that when ready you will attract the right partner
- welcome the pain as an opportunity to evolve
It’s through self-evolution that you will be able to create the relationship of your dreams.

Your Relationship Coach,
Rinatta Paries, www.WhatItTakes.com.

Skin Care Part-1

October 9, 2006 at 11:13 pm | In Taking care of you | 3 Comments

Could driving your car give you wrinkles?
Does the left side of your face have more wrinkles? It might not be chance. Scott Fosko, MD, chair of dermatology at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, sees more cases of actinic kerotoses, which are precancerous skin lesions, on the left side of the face and forehead than on the right side. Why? The answer could be the time you spend in your car during your daily commute.

“AK lesions and wrinkles are due to the effect of sun and UV exposure over many years,” Dr Fosko says. “We tend to see more skin lesions on the left side of the face because that’s the side that’s exposed to the sun when you are driving.”

But would that 15-minute commute twice a day really make a difference? It would, Dr Fosko says.

Wear sunscreen
“Even if you only have a short commute, that exposure has a cumulative effect that builds up over many years,” says Dr Fosko, a skin cancer specialist who performs surgeries to remove cancerous and precancerous lesions. “If you want to avoid skin cancer, and if you want to avoid premature wrinkling and aging of the skin, you should wear sunscreen every day.”

For that reason Dr Fosko recommends applying sunscreen every day — whether it’s summer or winter, sunny or cloudy. He particularly encourages people who drive convertibles or those who drive Jeeps to use sunscreen.

Wrinkles are caused by the photo-aging effects of UV exposure, Dr Fosko says. He also cautions that not all sunblocks are equivalent. Most will block UVB rays, but not all will block UVA. Both blocking agents are needed to protect you from being exposed to the photo-aging effects of the sun.

Ads_kid=0;Ads_bid=0;Ads_xl=300;Ads_yl=250;Ads_xp=”;Ads_yp=”;Ads_xp1=”;Ads_yp1=”;Ads_opt=0;Ads_par=”;Ads_cnturl=”; function Ads_PopUp() {}

“UVA rays, the ones that cause wrinkles, go right through the glass of your car window,” Dr Fosko says. “Look for a product that has broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. The physical blockers, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, will block both, as will various chemical blockers. Check the label to see that the product protects against both.”

Dr Fosko explains that when the skin gets tanned it’s a sign of damage to your skin as it is trying to protect itself. If you are getting a tan, it’s your skin reacting to the sun damage. “Basically, wrinkles are not a reflection of age,” he says. “They’re a reflection of the amount of radiation damage. Some people who are 75 look like they’re 35. When you get sun over many years you get the damage. The skin sags and loses elasticity. The great majority is from the sun.”

Freeze, sucker: One mom smooths away her wrinkles with Botox
There are many things in my day to day existence that can instantaneously remind me of advancing age. Okay, scratch that euphemism. George Carlin is completely dead on about how society has padded our language to make certain things sound better than they are. So here’s to honesty, George: There are a buttload of pain in the ass realities, every time I wake up, that scream in my rapidly decaying face, YOU ARE GETTING OLD!

Whether it’s the crows that greet me in the mirror each dawn, the fact that getting out of bed and entertaining an upright posture makes my spine scream like a 12 year old who just sighted Orlando Bloom, or the crumpled mess of stomach flesh left behind after three children checked out of the Uterine Resort and Spa, I have no less than five YOU ARE GETTING OLD moments before I even leave my bedroom.

Daily as I go to wake up my three daughters, I pause for a moment and ponder their full lips, glowing skin and tousled hair. Okay, forget ponder, I stare in full-on seething jealousy and wonder where the hell my youth went and who sucked out all my collagen? For me to get that effect, someone would have to punch me in the mouth, stuff nuclear waste inside my cheeks and rent me a wig – my own hair just doesn’t speak tousled, it is, however, fluent in Thinning Bedheadese.

It’s not that I don’t fight all this aging business, I most certainly do. Name a potion touted to tighten, soften, minimize, eradicate or reveal and it is on my bathroom counter. I estimate, that in the last decade alone, I have spent enough money on creamy concoctions which didn’t live up to their Madison Avenue hype, that I could have gone to the plastic surgeon and overhauled my entire body — twice. That sagging skin alone could have made a new set of Olson twins. Unfortunately, like every other female out there, I live in perpetual hope that some new, over the counter, $9.99 cosmetic will work some deep cellular magic and transform me from ravaging to ravishing in 14 days.

And so it was that recently, while staring at my crow’s feet, and also staring down the barrel of a .38 caliber birthday, I decided to stop waiting for L’oreal, looked in the mirror and said, “Damn it, I AM worth it.” I was going to do something daring, something expensive, something just for me. Yes, that’s right, after 13 years of motherly martyrdom and two years shy of the big 4-0, I was finally going to give myself a birthday present.

I booked my first Botox appointment.

I have to admit that I was a tad apprehensive as I entered the doctor’s office, after all, my research had pulled up photos of people who had bad results with the shots, but then again, what do you expect when you have your treatment done by an illegal immigrant at your friend’s Botox-Scrapbooking party? Personally, my fear of needles was completely overshadowed by my vanity, excitement at sending those crows to facial Siberia, and the letters MD behind my doctor’s name.

The procedure took all of two minutes: four shots, some minor stinging and what I’m now fairly certain was an auditory mirage: The Hallelujah Chorus.

Within a week, those crow’s feet had severe frostbite, and when I smiled, they were unable to flock as they had seven days before. I smile a lot – looking ten years younger will do that to a person. Will I go back for more? The appointments have already been made, thank you very much.

I know that aging is a fact of life I can only stop by ceasing to breathe. I know I will still wake up to a creaking spine and the artifacts of bringing forth life. But as I face advancing age, I am going to do it gracefully.

Okay, okay George…As I begin to fart dust and leak urine, at least my face is going to kick ass.

How to give a foot massage
Take a good look at your feet after they’ve spent a day in snug leather shoes. What do they look like? Feel like? Are your feet pink and healthy and rarin’ to go and run about? Probably not. More likely your ten toes are squished against each other, resembling sardines in a can. The skin of your feet looks lifeless, perhaps gray in color and slightly clammy to the touch. Let’s liven them up with a foot massage! Read on for foot massage instructions.(Note: Be careful when receiving a foot massage during pregnancy. Some pressure points may cause contractions.)

How does a foot massage sound?
Regardless of whether you’re on the receiving end of a foot massage or you’re the one giving it, you both will experience many benefits, Even if you are simply massaging your own feet, it can still be a rewarding and satisfying way to end your day.

The giver: Giving a friend or loved one a foot massage is very soothing and calming for you, too, and can actually cause your blood pressure to decrease. It’s a very caring, nurturing, and bonding experience to share with another person.

The receiver: Obviously, this is really the best position to be in. Foot massage will help reduce your stress, boost circulation, and relieve blood stagnation from wearing ill-fitting shoes. In addition, it will dramatically relax your body, soothe foot muscles, and undo knots and tension in your toes, balls of your feet, arches, and ankles. It will even soften your feet if a cream or massage oil is applied!

One-on-one: Though not as fulfilling as having your feet massaged by another, self-massage enables you to care for your feet on a regular basis, to de-stress and pamper your feet as you see fit.

Techniques of foot massage
A foot massage can be performed at any time you wish or as part of a home pedicure procedure. The following illustrations depict some standard foot massage techniques that a nail technician might perform on a client during a pedicure. If you do not have a willing partner to give you a massage, never fear. These techniques are just as easily done (with some minor alterations) alone.

If a partner is involved, have the one receiving the foot massage recline against a big pillow on the sofa or bed to fully relax the entire body. Foot massage feels really great if the whole body is at ease.

If you’re going solo, find a comfortable chair, preferably one with padded arms and a foot rest, such as a recliner. Sit back, prop one foot in your lap and let the other rest extended in front of you, and massage those feet until they smile.

If using a massage oil or lotion, protect clothing and furniture with a towel or two. Rub oiled or creamed hands together vigorously to warm them before beginning the foot massage. Complete all six steps on one foot before moving on to the other.

Step 1: Stroke the top of the foot
Stroking stimulates circulation and warms the foot. Holding your partner’s foot in your hands, on the top of the foot begin a long, slow, firm, stroking motion with your thumbs, starting at the tips of the toes and sliding back away from you, all the way up to the ankle, then retrace your steps back to the toes with a lighter stroke. Repeat this step three to five times.

Stroke the bottom of the foot.

Step 2: Ankle rotations
Loosens joints and relaxes feet. Cup one hand under the heel, behind the ankle, to brace the foot and leg.

Grasp the ball of the foot with the other hand and turn the foot slowly at the ankle for three to five times in each direction. With repeated foot massages, any stiffness will begin to recede. This is a particularly good exercise for those of you suffering from arthritis.

Rotate the foot from the ankle.

Step 3: Toe pulls and squeezes
Toes, like fingers, are quite sensitive to the touch — this massage can be very calming. Grasp the foot beneath the arch. With the other hand, beginning with the big toe, hold the toe with your thumb on top and index finger beneath.

Starting at the base of the toe, slowly and firmly pull the toe, sliding your fingers to the top and back to the base. Now repeat, but gently squeeze and roll the toe between your thumb and index finger, working your way to the tip and back to the base. Repeat these two movements on the remaining toes.

Gently pull and squeeze the toes.

Step 4: Toe slides
Grasp foot behind the ankle, cupping under heel. With the index finger of the other hand, insert your finger between the toes, back and forth for three to five times.

Slide your fingers between the toes.

Step 5: Arch press
Releases tension in the inner and outer longitudinal arches. Hold foot as you did in Step 4.

Using the heel of your other hand, push hard as you slide along the arch from the ball of the foot toward the heel and back again. Repeat five times. This part of the foot can stand a little extra exertion on your part, just don’t apply too much pressure. Push your hand along the arch of the foot.

Step 6: Stroking. Repeat step 1
This is a good way to begin and end a foot massage.

Agony of the Feet Relaxing Massage Oil
You’ll need:
2 teaspoons (10 ml) castor, jojoba, soybean, or extra-virgin olive oil
3 drops lavender essential oil
1 drop German chamomile essential oil
1 drop geranium essential oil

To make:
Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl. Stir thoroughly. Yields one treatment.

To use:
Use approximately 1 teaspoon (5 ml per foot and massage in completely. Inhale the aroma on your hands before you massage, and continue to breathe deeply, as these particular oils are extremely calming. Put on socks after massage to absorb excess oil and soften feet.

How to have a clear complexion
The Makeup Diva is taking your questions! Check out her advice for keeping your complexion fresh and blemish-free, and then feel free to submit a question of your own!

The question
What products are right for combination acne-prone skin?

The Makeup Diva responds
Combination skin is the most common skin type. I’ve yet to run across anyone who can honestly say their skin is “normal.” After all, what is normal, anyway?

The important thing to remember is to use products that are effective, but gentle. Harsh, alcohol-based toners and benzoyl peroxide acne medicines can irritate your skin and cause it to produce even more oil. When you shop for skin care, read ingredient labels carefully. Avoid ingredients that will clog pores and aggravate breakouts (visit Zero Zits for a listing of potential pore clogging ingredients).

My favorite cleansers for combination skin are Serious Skin Care’s Glycolic Cleanser and Joey New York’s Pure Pores Cleanser with Vitamin C. They will effectively remove makeup and dirt without irritation. Use a moisturizer only on dry patches. I like Serious Skin Care’s Super Hydrate and Joey New York’s Oil Free Moisturizer.

Treat blemishes with a gentle touch. Benzoyl peroxide products should be used sparingly and only on the individual blemish. Try Serious Skin Care’s Clearz It, Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, or Joey New York’s Chin Breakout Relief.

When all else fails, visit a dermatologist. There are treatment options available by prescription that may help lessen the severity of your breakouts.

The question
How can I get rid of blackheads? I’ve tried everything, even the strips, and nothing seems to work. Any suggestions?

The Makeup Diva responds
Blackhead. Even the word looks ominous. They look even worse on your face. I know – I’ve been there. I’ve endured painful extractions, but they always came back. I used to console myself by believing they were meant to be there, like freckles.

When those pore strips came out, I ran out and bought half a dozen boxes. They didn’t work for me either.

The one remedy I’ve found that truly gets rid of blackheads is Differin Gel. Differin is a topical medication available by prescription from your dermatologist. Used once daily, it helps lessen oil production, keep breakouts at bay and get rid of those horrid little black spots. Consult your doctor to see if you’re a candidate for Differin, or another prescription treatment option.

The question
I have oily skin that is also extremely fair. Do you know of an oil-free, high-SPF sunscreen that might work for me?

The Makeup Diva responds
Wearing sunscreen can be a challenge if you have oily skin. Many sunscreens can cause you to break out, and they’ve also been known to cause makeup “meltdown.” I’ve searched long and hard for the ultimate oil-free sun protection, only to find there really is no perfect product.

The two sunscreens that have worked best on my oily skin are Kiehl’s Water Based Sunscreen SPF 24 and Rectifiance Day Lift Refining Oil Free SPF 15 lotion from Chanel’s Precision line. The Kiehl’s product is great because you can use it on your face and body. Chanel’s lotion will not exacerbate an oily complexion. Both products wear very well under makeup.

If you want to forgo the added layer of sunscreen under makeup, try a foundation that contains some sun protection. Urban Decay’s Surreal Skin Powder Foundation is a good choice, and can be found easily online at Urban Decay, Eve.com, or Sephora.com.

For more great makeup and cosmetic reviews and information, also visit Heather Kleinman’s Cosmetic Connection.

Yours in beauty,
Miss DivaHow to protect your skin when Jack Frost bites
As winter approaches, many people make changes in their lives — exchanging running shoes for cross-country skis and packing away short-sleeved shirts and donning turtlenecks and sweaters. However, there’s one thing that millions of Americans do not change with the seasons and it could be why their skin is dry and irritated — it’s their skin care regimen.

What works for the skin during the warm, humid months of summer, may be too little or too much during the cold, dry months of winter, leading to itchy, flaky and aggravated skin from head to toe.

Dermatologist Chérie M. Ditre, MD, assistant professor, department of dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, offers these tips to promote and maintain healthy skin as the temperature drops.

“During the winter, the skin is exposed to dry, indoor heat with less humidity. Add to that the heavy, bulky clothes and the skin begins to generate less of its own natural moisturizers, especially as we age, which can lead to flakiness and itching,” says Dr Ditre. “That’s why it’s important to take as much care and precaution with our skin during the winter, even when it’s covered up, as we do in the summer.”

The skin is made up of several layers of cells. The epidermis, the top layer of the skin, along with the oil glands, produce lipids (fatty substances). These lipids help keep the skin from losing moisture and make it soft and supple. But the moisture in the skin constantly evaporates, and washing the skin strips away these lipids, further drying the skin.

However, in humid conditions, the skin can replenish itself by soaking up moisture from the air. When the humidity drops, as it does in many places in the winter, your skin loses another opportunity to moisturize itself. Couple that with the low humidity of indoor heating, as well as hot showers and baths, and the skin is bound to become dry and irritated.

Dr Ditre recommends the following skin care tips, especially if individuals begin to notice changes in their skin during the winter.

Body care
During the long winter months, dry skin has a tendency to crack and bleed. This reduces the skin’s ability to protect the body and increases the risk of infection. The best way to keep the skin healthy is to replenish its moisture. Individuals should avoid long, hot baths which can dry the skin and instead take tepid showers.

Using a moisturizing body wash during the shower and applying moisturizers to the skin within three minutes of stepping out of the shower can help trap water in the upper layers of the skin and decrease dryness and itching. When choosing a moisturizer, check product labels and look for lotions and creams containing any of the following ingredients: petrolatum; mineral oil; linoleic acid; ceramides; dimethicone; or glycerin.

The relative humidity inside also can affect the skin, especially when it drops below 60 percent. At this point, the skin begins to lose moisture, causing the dryness and itching that irritates so many during the winter months. Adding a humidifier to a bedroom or living room can counteract the dry heat in many homes.

In addition, individuals with dry skin may express concern about the type of soap they are using during the winter. “While it’s true that all soaps have the potential to cause contact dermatitis, especially if you are allergic to certain ingredients in the soap, it is perfectly fine to use the same brand of soap throughout the year,” says Dr Ditre. “However, if you find your skin becoming drier in the winter months, look for a milder soap that is fragrance-free or one that contains moisturizing ingredients, like oils and vitamins, which can be beneficial for your skin all year round.”

Face care
To keep your face from feeling the effects of winter’s drying weather, Dr Ditre recommends that individuals wash their face with lukewarm, not hot, water and a mild facial cleanser. However, if you have oily skin, don’t assume that you need a moisturizer. Wait 20 minutes after washing and if your face feels tight, use a moisturizer only where you feel dry.

If you use prescription treatments for acne or other facial conditions, talk with your dermatologist about switching to more moisturizing versions of your formulation, especially if you use retinoid products. “Retinoids can be used to decrease acne and oiliness, reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and age spots, and help prevent the signs of aging,” says Dr Ditre. “However, products containing retinoids may be drying and increase the chance of skin flaking and redness, so it’s important to talk with your dermatologist about how to offset the effects of winter.”

Dr Ditre also recommends caution when using alpha-hydroxy acid products. These products exfoliate the top layer of the skin leaving the new layer of skin unprotected to the elements, including the sun and bitter winds.

One of the most important things to remember during the winter months is to continue wearing sunscreen. Snow can reflect more than 80 percent of the sun’s damaging ultraviolet radiation, so it’s important to always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, especially on exposed body parts such as the face, hands and tops of the ears. Also, wear a lip balm with an SPF of 15 to help prevent chapped lips. Reapply both sunscreen and lip balm every two hours for maximum benefit.

“The winter months do not have to wreck havoc on your skin,” says Dr Ditre. “Remember to place a greater emphasis on moisturizing and to visit your dermatologist who can devise a personal skin care regimen that will help combat many of the challenges associated with winter skin.”How to remove a tattoo you regret
What can you buy for less than $100 that will last you a lifetime? A tattoo! And while we are all in the market for stretching the value of our dollar and getting long lasting products, some people regret getting them. At one time tattoos were generally associated only with sailors, but now they are commonly seen on the most unsuspecting of people.

What happens when your tastes change, you no longer love Mike, or you want a more professional look? You can work with a tattoo artist to put a new tattoo over the old one, but it’s a bit more complicated if you don’t want any tattoo at all. The tattoo removal process is more painstaking than getting the tattoo and costs more than 10 times the amount.

Why the change of heart
“It feels like someone is snapping a strong, narrow, long rubber band on your skin, 10 times per second,” says Nathan Nicely of Raleigh, North Carolina. “It hurt much worse than actually getting the tattoo.” In 1992, while in college, Nicely got a large dragon tattoo put on his arm that started at the upper part of his back and went all the way around and down his arm. Years later he found himself tired of all the positive and negative attention that he received over it and decided to have it removed from the elbow down so that he could wear short sleeved shirts. (For step by step pictures of his tattoo removal, visit http://www4.ncsu.edu/~ninicely/tatremove.html.)

His situation is not uncommon according to Dr Don Revis, of South Florida Plastic Surgery Associates in Fort Lauderdale, Florida who treats around a dozen patients per month for tattoo removal. He explains that most of those patients are seeking his services because of poor decisions that they made during their youth. Other common scenarios are people removing names of past love interests, as well as those that find themselves entering the professional workforce where they don’t feel comfortable having visible tattoos.

Removal basics
For those looking to have a tattoo removed there are choices to be made and all options should be considered. There are different types of removal procedures that vary in recovery, cost, level of effectiveness and age requirements.

Dr Revis explains that one removal route to take is through monthly laser treatments, whereby the patient will need six to 12 treatment sessions that can be quite costly, usually starting around $350 per session. According to Dr Revis this procedure is safe, although a side effect is that it may remove the normal pigment of the skin, leaving a white ghost image of the tattoo.

According to Chris Aamot, a permanent makeup artist and owner of The Final Cut Salon and Day Spa in Dallas, Texas, another route to take is a procedure where a liquid is applied to the tattoo. Aamot explains that the liquid is tattooed over the original tattoo, which softens the pigment under the skin and forces it to rise to the top of the skin. She points out that this procedure generally costs at least $75.00 per square inch and usually takes one or two treatments. Although this procedure is safe according to Aamot, there is some risk of infection.

Bottom line
If you are thinking about getting a tattoo, be sure to think about the location of where you will have it on your body. If it is in a place that is visible in normal clothing attire you may come to regret it in the future if your feelings change or your career goals shift.Lifestyle habits for healthier skin
When meeting someone new, most people take notice of the person’s face first. For this and other reasons, maintaining clean, healthy skin is paramount to self-esteem, confidence and even attitude.

Getting healthier skin is not contingent upon high-cost prescription medications or obsessive skin care routines. Modifying your daily routine a tiny bit and upholding disciplined cleansing habits can help to add flawless skin to the list of your best qualities.

Eat healthier…
By avoiding foods that often make your face breakout, your skin will be less oily and more resistant to blemishes. Some problem foods that may cause pimples or breakouts include chocolate and other candy, French fries, fast food, pizza and soft drinks.

To get your skin in better shape, you may not have to give up everything that has negative effects on your skin, but rather, eat those things in moderation. Have greasier foods as a special treat or on rare occasion when eating a healthy, balanced meal is out of the question.

Hydrate and exercise…
Drinking the recommended eight glasses of water per day coupled with some regular exercise – walking, running, bicycling, engaging in sports – should have a great impact on one’s complexion. Increased blood flow due to aerobic exercise will positively impact one’s complexion with a glowing look to replace dull skin.

Not only will exercise and drinking water help skin tone and texture, but it will also make you feel more energized and great about yourself. By keeping your body in shape, you will feel less stressed and more capable of achieving those things you set out to do.

Monitor sun exposure…
By using a moderate strength sunscreen, you will be protecting your skin from sun damage, skin cancer, aging and premature wrinkles. Too much sun can blister one’s lips, leaving them red, sore and charred. Sunburned skin will eventually peel most times, leaving skin areas blotchy and sensitive. The best approach to preventing sunburn and other sun-caused skin problems is to monitor how much time one spends in the sun and to avoid sun exposure by using sunscreen with SPF 15 or greater.

Practice a regular cleansing routine…
Cleanse, exfoliate, tone and moisturize…this daily routine should carry you on your way toward healthier skin. Select a gentle skin cleansing solution that works for your specific type of skin – dry, oily, normal. Using your selected product, cleanse face in a circular motion and rinse with lukewarm water, as hot water zaps skin’s moisture.

Follow the cleansing stage with an exfoliant. A granular product is often especially effective in smoothing rough areas and releasing dead skin cells, allowing the face to be better moisturized.

After the exfoliation process concludes, use a toner or an astringent to tighten skin and remove any makeup or cleanser residue. A nice alternative to a toner or astringent would be doing a facial masque at least once a week, which tackles clogged pores while also firming skin and leaving it soft and silky.

Finally, pat skin dry with a soft towel but do not dry up all the water. Apply a moisturizer (with or without sunscreen) to help protect skin from dryness. Those who have oily skin do not have to moisturize as often as those who have dry, normal or combination skin.

By following the daily skin care routine along with drinking lots of water, exercising and protecting your skin from sun damage, you should soon notice positive results. Maintaining discipline and adhering to your goal to achieve healthier skin make the actual task at hand so much easier to accomplish.Keep cool and look hot with refreshing spa tricks
Susie Galvez, spa owner and author of Hello Beautiful: 365 Ways To Be Even More Beautiful gives you some hot summer tips for looking your best.

Hot times
We have all heard about keeping fragrances in the refrigerator for a fast cool off in hot weather. But did you know that you could also cool down quick by keeping cleansing gels, toners, and moisturizers in the fridge as well. It seems our faces are the first to show the signs of heat, so put the product where the fire is.

To refresh fast, cleanse off old weather-worn makeup with a cooled cleanser, continue by applying toner with a cotton ball to all areas of the face as well as the back of the neck and décolleté area to revive and freshen up. Finish by applying a dab of cooled moisturizer, or if you are planning on going out, a tinted moisturizer will add life without a lot of coverage — perfect for the warm summer evenings.

Lip appeal
To get rid of dry, cracked, over baked lips, try putting a bit of petroleum jelly on the lips and rub with a soft bristle toothbrush, dedicated just for this purpose. Open a vitamin E capsule and apply over the top of the freshly exfoliated lips. For any vitamin E leftovers, gently rub into your fingernail cuticles to rehyrdrate them as well. Keep lips hydrated by always keeping them covered either with lipstick or protective balm.

Take a sea cure
A sudden break out? Fix it fast with 4 ounces of warm water and one teaspoon of sea salt. Mix well. Dip a cotton pad in the solution and apply to the area. Keep the pad in place for 2-3 minutes. Repeat with a new cotton ball. Leave longer if desired. Pat dry. For larger areas such as backs, soak a hand towel in the solution and apply to back area for 10 minutes. Rinse and pat dry.

Cheers!
Rinsing hair with champagne brings out blonde highlights. Conditioning the hair with beer adds sheen to your tresses. So the next time you indulge, save a little summer “cheer” for your hair.

Wave hello
If summer plans call for an ocean dip, before you go, braid your hair in two or more braids. Swim and have fun. As you walk along the shore, allow the sea breeze to dry your hair. After drying, take out the braids and run your fingers in the wonderful waves Mother Nature shared with you on your day at the beach — easy, breezy, wavy, wonderful summer hair!

Beach baby
A walk along a sandy beach is a great way to strengthen and tone legs. Running in and out of the waves is also good for the feet, as the salt water has marine extracts and minerals that help soothe and smooth the skin. Take off your shoes, and your cares, and start strolling.

Sands of time
To escape to the beach anytime — if only in your mind — enjoy the foot print exfoliation treatment. Mix ½ cup of sand (if you are far from the beach, craft and pet stores carry it), one tablespoon of sea salt, and ½ cup of olive oil in a bowl. Gently massage feet and legs with the mixture over a big basin. Rinse feet in slightly cool water to remove any excess. Pat dry and feel how smooth. Perfect for summer sandals!

Tone up
Instead of water to moisten wet/dry foundation, spritz a little oil free toner on the sponge to moisten before applying color. You will get the slip you need to spread the foundation smoothly, as well as a little extra skincare treatment to boot. Oil free toner can also be used to remoisten a slightly dry water based formula. Mix a few drops of toner with your foundation before applying.

Miss Congeniality
And the winner for this summer season is a mauvy brown lip color. This lip color works well on most everyone so it is perfect as a handbag and beach bag staple. In a pinch, you can use it as a blush and as a soft eye shadow in an emergency. The best pick is a medium shade that is neither too brown nor too mauve for the most universal results. Remember the goal is for compliments like “wow, you look beautiful!” Not “I love your lipstick!”

Fishing for compliments
Rather than an expensive train case to keep your makeup in one place, do as the pros do and keep makeup organized with a fishing tackle box. Summer is the perfect time to find all sorts of kinds to choose from. Boxes come with a carrying handle, top and bottom compartments with lots of small storage trays, perfect for keeping colors together. There is room for tissues, cotton swabs and balls, as well as skin care products. Plastic is the material of choice, as it is easy to wipe down if something spills, plus it will not rust like the metal ones, and it is lighter to carry — even when it loaded with your entire beauty stash.

When life gives you lemons take a soothing lemon soak
Slice a lemon into thin slices, sprinkle over a tub of warm water and immerse yourself in the wonderful aroma. Lemons contain citric acid, which is an excellent dead skin remover. The juice aids in gently cleansing and the oil form the lemon peel softly hydrates. This is an excellent cure for sunburned skin.

Turn down the heat
If hot weather makes you overly moist, try adding a bit of baking soda to your body powder before applying. Baking soda will absorb any excess moisture as well as odor. If your underarms have a tendency to stain garments, put a little baking soda over the deodorant to set and protect the garment.

Glam gams
To show off toned, and self-tanned legs, use a body moisturizer that contains shimmering ingredients, such as gold or bronze flecks. Sun tanning places often carry these products for their clients to show off their tan — now you can show off too, without the sun damage. A quick at home version is to mix a bit of hair shine serum with a little bit of shimmery face powder and rub onto legs.

Pamper Yourself

October 9, 2006 at 11:02 pm | In Taking care of you | Leave a Comment

10 secrets to remember how special you are every day

Sometimes you just have to take a good, long look in the mirror and say “Love ya, Babe!” Life Coach Julie Jordan Scott tells us some secrets to remembering to praise ourselves every day! Just do it!
1. For a week, ask people what they like best about you. Each day, journal on what you have heard and list each different “best thing” about you.2. Keep an “Atta Girl!” or “Atta Boy” file. Keep it where you collect letters from people commending you for a job well done. Then LOOK AT IT when you want to refresh your spirit.

3. Remember times when you were fully in the Zone. Relive those moments so you can use them as triggering mechanisms when you are feeling low. For a copy of a free report “Triggering Mechanisms” click here. 4. Compile a portrait photo timeline of your life. Collect a photos for significant times in your life and remember what was joyful about you within those times. Make a collage or write a vignette for each picture. 5. Purchase a blank book or journal and write inspirational quotes and sayings in it to read and review later. Being in your own handwriting adds more power to the words. 6. Watch a comedy video or go to a comedy club and see what you find the most amusing. Chances are within the humor — that which you find the most funny — is something about yourself that you really treasure. Find some way to capture the essence of the humor and keep it with you by either writing it in a notebook, on an index card, or using an audio recorder — with permission. 7. Remember your legacy. If you are a parent, aunt, uncle or significant friend to a child, see yourself through their eyes. Notice the pure joy and love when your special child has eye contact with you and runs towards you, arms outstretched and jubilant. If you do NOT have a special child in your life, see about finding one. 8. While you exercising, incorporate a component of gratitude for your physical body. For example, while exercising, express gratitude 10 times various parts of your body. If you were being grateful for your feet, in rhythm with your movements, you might choose words such as these: “I am grateful for the balance you provide me, I am grateful for the journeys we take together, I am grateful for your size and shape.” Simply let your thoughts flow. While this may sound simple, the results may be significant. 9. Do something special just for you. Be as thoughtful in planning your special time as you would be planning special time with your partner or best friend. Then completely bask in the delight of positive self care. It truly is the best thing you can do for your loved ones. Take radically good care of yourself. 10. Tell your loved ones specifically how they can show you that you are loved. We are all different and express our love differently. The folks who cherish you MAY simply speak a different love language. For more on love languages, go to http://marriage.about.com/library/weekly/aa080901a.htm. The only way to get what you need is to let it be known. And do not be hurt if they don’t get it your way. Be grateful they are in your life in the first place and move along! While these are 10 ideas to get you started or continue along a path towards recognizing your own greatness on a daily basis, there are unlimited possibilities for you to think up that may fit your lifestyle. It is truly a miracle that each of us were created exactly the way we were. The odds of YOU happening are staggering. Live with passion!

13 ways to pamper your pregnant self

Consider treating yourself to some of the following relaxing and fun activities during the last weeks of your pregnancy. They’ll take your mind off any discomforts or anxiety you may have and will help you enjoy what remains of your pre-baby life. · Have your hair cut, colored or styled. (Make an appointment for your due date so you’ll have something pleasant to do — and something to show for it — if your baby shows no signs of appearing.) · Treat yourself to a manicure, pedicure, facial, makeover or massage. (Be sure your massage therapist is experienced with prenatal massage.) · Go out for dinner with your partner or a close friend. · Plan a ceremony to celebrate your baby’s birth. · Be the guest of honor at a baby shower. · Go shopping. · Work on handicrafts for your baby. · Have friends in for a visit.· Take in a movie, concert or play. (Sit in an aisle seat toward the back.) · Stage your own film festival with rented videos or DVDs. · Visit your local art museum or gallery. (It may be a while before you get another opportunity.) · Read those new novels now, while you have the chance! · Enjoy a day trip or an overnight or weekend getaway with your partner.

Aromatherapy for moms

Bringing home your cherub for the first time is intensely gratifying, and day by day your heart is filled with love and wonder. However, rounds of washing and cleaning squeezed between the baby’s needs, while single friends are gallivanting to the next hot spot, can leave you feeling frazzled, dazed and stressed out. Remember, your family’s well-being depends on your own, so here are a few aromatherapy tips from experts to help you de-stress, pamper and rejuvenate your body and mind. Ease your stress
Experience pure bliss with an aromatherapy bath. To create your own home spa, massage therapist, Pamela Taschner recommends sprinkling a few drops of your favorite essential oil in a running bath. Surround yourself with fresh rose petals, candles and classical music and voilà! Clean towels, a thick white bathrobe and the colors green and white will create a spa effect, she says, and fresh plants will bring inner harmony. Aromas stimulate the limbic part of the brain that deals with memory and emotion, so essential oils with citrus smells will recapture carefree spring days, florals like jasmine and rose create a sedate, hypnotic effect, turning your mind from negative thoughts. Essential oils also affect the nervous system and reduce blood pressure according to research by Dr Gary Schwartz, professor of psychology and psychiatry at Yale University. “Massage therapy with essential oils relieves many of the mental and physical problems caused by daily or prolonged stress. It creates a general sense of well-being, increases circulation and movement of lymph fluid, therefore waste products. Massage counteracts aging. Young mothers are relieved of stress caused by the newborn or energetic babies. The body comes to rest and the mind lets go,” says Taschner. “I use German chamomile, immortelle, yarrow and tagetes as these contain the component sesquiterpenes which moves fluids in the body, is anti-inflammatory, sedative and is an immune stimulant.” For a self-massage, mix two to three drops of essential oils in a tablespoon of sweet almond oil. Warming it between your hands, use the effleurage method — light-stroking motions all over your body, always moving in the direction of the heart Aromatherapy also helps you stay alert. According to researchers at the Miami School of Medicine, aromatherapy has a significant affect on our brain (EEG) activity. Tests proved that people massaged with lavender showed increased beta power and were able to perform a math skill test faster and more accurately. Body beautiful
Essential oils give you a silky smooth skin, too. Renowned aromatherapist and author, Valerie Ann Worwood in her book, The Fragrant Pharmacy (Corgi, March, 1991), advises The Harem Special as an unforgettable experience, leaving you with a glowing skin and feeling pampered all over. The Harem Special
1 teaspoon ground, dried citrus fruit peel
3 teaspoons ground almonds
2 teaspoons oatmeal
1 pinch clove powder
1 teaspoon crushed, dried rose petals
1 pinch nutmeg powder
2 tablespoons almond oil
2 drops neroli (or a citrus oil, lemon or orange)
2 drops sandalwood (or patchouli) Create a paste by blending the ingredients and placing the paste on your entire body, focusing on drier areas especially. Blend the paste in and wipe off any excess with a dry cloth. Breast attention
Women often despair too quickly at the state of their breasts after pregnancy. Aromatherapy expert, Michelle Jirard of Mussidan, France, recommends a combination of pectoral exercises, good posture and aromatherapy. Rosemary, geranium and lemongrass are some of the essential oils that tighten breast tissue and eliminate stretch marks, she says. Sensuous tresses
Temporary hair loss often occurs after pregnancy due to hormonal changes. Aromatherapy is a safe and effective treatment for Alopecia areata (severe hair loss) according to research by the Department of Dermatology, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Scotland. “My hair was thinning from too many colorings and blow-dries. The aromatherapist at Le Graine D’or in Dordogne, France, recommended I massage my hair every day with a blend of rosemary essential oil and jojoba. I was thrilled by the results,” says Candice Favard of Paris, France. Massaging with rosemary reportedly encourages blood circulation to the scalp, while jojoba adds shine and luster. Skin glow
“I started using essential oils 15 years ago, when my face was scarred by a bad car accident. By recommendation, I used vitamin E oil together with essential oils. “I was very pleased with the results. The scars faded and people kept commenting about my glowing complexion. Rosehip oil is also effective for skincare,” says Jirard. Rosehip oil is rich in essential fatty acids: olein, linoleic and linolenic (responsible for maintaining a healthy skin), and contains tretinoin, a natural derivative of Retinol (helps rebuild skin tissue), and natural vitamin E. Cellular regeneration is the key to a youthful skin, states Worwood. The nutrients and proteins in essential oils help to maintain collagen and encourage regeneration of new cells. The circulation-stimulating properties of oils oxygenate the blood and energize cells, allowing regeneration to take place, she states in her book. Other oils have skin firming properties, giving it a more youthful appearance. Violet leaf, clary-sage, fennel, neroli, rose, lavender, patchouli, frankincense, lemon and oregano, to name but a few, reportedly have anti-aging properties. “No matter what creams a woman uses, the best anti-aging treatments is a relaxed and organized day,” says Taschner. “Take care of your baby, but also take care of yourself. Ensure that you get relaxation time every day and that you do regular exercises, not forgetting to have a bit of fun time.” Sexy aromas
Essential oils have constituents, which closely mimic pheromones, the chemical constituents of natural body aroma responsible for attracting the opposite sex. Essential oils can be powerful aphrodisiacs and are often the base of perfumes. However, not all oils have aphrodisiac properties. “I enjoy my wife wearing oils to bed, but it must be a floral smell like jasmine. Eucalyptus and lemon have a medicinal smell and only make me feel good when I’m sick. The right oils, with relaxing music and candle light are a powerful combination for a perfect romantic evening,” says Frederick Bell, of
Nassau, Bahamas. Here is a list of essential oils that reportedly have aphrodisiac properties to get you started on your unsuspecting beau! — Angelica, cardamom, cinnamon, clary-sage, ginger, jasmine, neroli, patchouli, rose, rosewood, violet and ylang-ylang. Aromatherapy is not a magical potion, but will help you along your journey of self-discovery and self-improvement. Bon voyage! Resources
Information on aromatherapy as well as suppliers of essential oils www.audreyleigh.com Herbal encyclopedia www.naturalark.com/herbenc.html A list of international aromatherapy associations www.internethealthlibrary.com/Professional-Associations/Aromatherapy.htm

Pamper yourself: Perfect pedicures in 12 simple steps

Basin or tub
Foot Soak, Epsom salt or bath salts
Pumice footstone
Small brush
Nail polish remover / cotton balls
Nail polish
Base coat for nails
Top coat for nails
Clippers
File
Orangewood stick (Cuticle stick)
Lotion
Foot scrub treatment

Whether you are in the mood to pamper yourself or just starting to get dolled up, a pedicure can be one of the most soothing and relaxing body treatments after a long day. If you find yourself surrounded by unavoidable stress factors day-to-day, wash your cares away with a pedicure! Just follow these easy steps:Step 1: Begin to fill a basin (or your bathtub) with several inches of warm water. Add desired amount of foot soak, bath salts or Epsom salt so that it dissolves in the water as the tub fills.Step 2: While the tub is filling, remove any old polish from your toes with nail polish remover and cotton balls. If necessary, clip and file nails to desired shape and length.Step 3: Grab a good book or magazine, turn on some music, or just sit back and enjoy the warm water on your tired feet. Soak for as long as you like, but at least 5-10 minutes.Step 4: Using the small brush, gently buff one foot first and then the other. This will help to remove some dead skin cells and also to soften your feet. Step 5: Using a foot scrub (Freeman’s makes a great one—Barefeet: Plum and Pumice foot scrub), massage the cream onto your feet, paying special attention to your heels and any rough spots. This will further soften and exfoliate.Step 6: A pumice footstone can work wonders for dry and rough feet! Use this inexpensive extra to eliminate remaining rough spots. Dip feet after this step.Step 7: Remove both feet from the tub and dry feet with towel. Massage your favorite lotion onto them. (Some companies even have a line of foot massage lotions!)Step 8: Using orangewood stick, gently push your cuticles back along the nail. They should be supple due to the soaking. Step 9: If you wish to paint your toenails, you can use toe separators to facilitate the process. Apply a base coat of nail polish to fill in the ridges and uneven surfaces. Base coats are generally clear or slightly opaque and they help to strengthen the nail to avoid breakage.Step 10: Choose your desired shade of nail polish and apply. Allow first coat to dry and repeat. (Hint: For touch-ups, dip a Q-tip in the nail polish remover and gently swab away the unwanted color.)Step 11: Apply a crystal-clear topcoat to add shine and to protect color from chipping. Step 12: Enjoy your smooth, soft feet and beautified toes! You are now ready to sport your favorite sandals or cozy up at home in your comfiest slippers. Whatever the occasion, your feet will look and feel great!Approximate time required: 45 minutes to an hour, depending on personal preference.

The health benefits of tea

Tea contains antioxidants, which help fight disease by protecting the body’s cells from damage. Learn more about the benefits from Chef Walter Husbands! Reducing risks Recent research has shown that tea may help reduce the risk of some forms of cancer and can help reduce cholesterol. Black tea leaves are fermented longer to build their bold flavor; green teas are not fermented at all, making their flavor delicate. Red teas are blends of the two to balance the best of both flavors. Try a few of the following to add a twist and bring teas to the center of your table. · Bulk tea is available in most grocery and specialty stores, try mixing your favorites to make a new blend

· Add slices of fresh orange, lime or peaches to your fresh brewed iced tea while it is cooling down · If you make a batch that is too strong, don’t throw it out, add a strong flavor like mint or ginger and pour it into ice cube trays, after you freeze it, add it to a tall glass of club soda and watch as your guests marvel over your mistake. · Hot tea makes a great before-dinner drink, it has a satiating effect on the appetite, allowing you to decrease your meals portion sizes, satisfy your guests and keep your meal healthy. · In addition to the antioxidants of tea, fruits and vegetables provide similar properties. Increase your antioxidants by adding all three to your diet.

Six ways to boost your self-esteem: An inner beauty workout for women

Eleanor Roosevelt said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your permission.” Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder when it comes to how we perceive ourselves. Here are six ways you can boost your self-esteem and see your true beauty. Inner beautyIn a recent telephone poll, People magazine asked women about how the svelte images of women in the media influenced their self-esteem. 80 percent said that they made them feel insecure. 93 percent have tried to lose weight. 34 percent said they would try a diet even if it could endanger their health. To these women we give the words of Eleanor Roosevelt: “No one can make you feel inferior without your permission.” Beauty truly is in the mind of the beholder when it comes to our sense of ourselves. We all do it. We stress every time we look at a mirror, a movie or a magazine. We stress every time our mates catch that last glimpse of us at night as we race naked to the bed to turn out the light. Some women even refuse to go to the beach. It’s not a fear of sharks. It’s the swim suit. Trillions of pages have been written dissecting and detailing what fashions women should wear. We’re even known for writing a few of these fashion pages ourselves. But this time we’d like to focus on a woman’s sense of herself and how she can face the world with a presence and enthusiasm all her own.

Power thinking
Thoughts are powerful things. You’ve heard of “power dressing”. We’d like to introduce you to “power thinking”. We want every woman to know that whoever you are, you are perfect before you put on a stitch of clothing. Whatever your shape, color or size, you are beautiful. If your doctor tells you you’re healthy, that’s all you need to know. Anyone or anything that tells you that you are not beautiful is wrong. When you truly like yourself, you know you have no flaws.

Are you a good witch?
Are you a positive force in life? When you walk into a room, what kind of energy do you bring to it? If you’re negative on the inside, nothing outside will cover it. A coat of paint can’t turn a lemon into a Maserati. Think of the Good Witch in the Wizard of Oz. Everyone loved her and sang her praises. You can almost guarantee that she was kind, caring, confident, intelligent, dependable and a lot more. Make a list of your positive attributes and nurture them. They will help you to stand straight and smile.

Or a bad witch?
The Wicked Witch of the East was dark, warty and her only friends were a couple of flying monkeys and a broom. She was intolerant, arrogant, selfish, untrustworthy, self-centered, mean-spirited and stressed. And that was on a good day. If you have any of these characteristics or ones like them, kick them to the curb immediately. You’ll look and feel better and you’ll stop scaring small dogs and children.

Celebrate
Have your own private celebration of who you are. Your accomplishments, your dreams and your hard work are nothing to sneeze at. Admire the parts of your body you do like with the same energy that you “dis” the parts you don’t like. And for the parts you don’t like just remember where they came from — your female ancestors. And imagine what they did with those features — survived holocausts, worked on assembly lines, cleaned other women’s houses — to make you who you are. So, while you’re celebrating yourself, celebrate your grandmother a little, too.

Treat yourself
If it feels good, do it. Spoil yourself with any positive experience you can think of. Get a massage. Hit your favorite spa. Go for a walk. Go to the gym. Go to the video store and max out on films featuring your favorite movie star. Use your imagination. Learn to play an instrument. Just never forget these words, “This is for me.”

Heal yourself
Self-esteem is an individual thing. Your true Inner Beauty depends on who you are, where your’re from and your experiences along the way. Were you the Prom Queen? The Ugly Duckling? Were you taught to enjoy life? To fear it? The number of things that shape a woman’s sense of herself are numerous and has kept psychiatrists in luxury cars for centuries. It won’t be easy but try to take control of all the old baggage, the thoughts, feelings and emotions that haunt you and keep you from seeing the beauty that you truly are. We hope the above thoughts and reflections have taken you on a journey that has made you feel as wonderful as we know you are. Nelson Mandela said it best: “We ask ourselves, who are we to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are we not to be?”

Turning your bath into a spa

Your bathroom is your inner sanctum — a place to unwind, rejuvenate and awaken the senses. Surround yourself with the comforts found in a spa to pamper your troubles away.

Set the mood
Paint or paper the bath in tranquil shades of pink and coral — complimentary to all skin tones. Rich details such as beadboard, marble surfaces and crown moldings will add richness. Place lightswitches on dimmers and use lots of candles for the ultimate bathing experience.

Choose textures wisely
Place a deep-piled area rug under foot. Keep plush, fluffy towels in thirsty weaves rolled up in baskets or perched on open shelving, within reach. Add a towel bar warmer — a real treat. If your bathroom is large enough, set up a vanity table with terrycloth covered bench and a chaise for lounging while you relax with a facemask or read a good book. Turn your tub into a whirlpool with jet bubble bathmats easily found in department stores, and don’t forget the bath pillow!

Add plants
Plants that thrive in humid conditions, such as Boston fern and Philodendron, make perfect bathing companions. Potted herbs will not only scent the room, but will enhance your beauty routine when you snip off some lavender, mint, or lemon verbena for your bath.

Take care with details and use beautiful containers for soaps, powders, lotions and toothbrushes. Even mouthwash can look attractive if kept in a cut-glass decanter. Bath trays can hold many beauty supplies and help save room on storage as well. Wicker caddies hold towels, sea sponges and aromatherapy treatments, and can be moved when needed. Indulge all of your senses and play some soothing music, and keep a cozy bathrobe nearby to snuggle into when you’re through.

When you want to relax, nothing will be more pleasurable than coming home to your very own spa — a place of luxurious treats.

Hands and Feet

October 1, 2006 at 4:05 am | In Taking care of you | 3 Comments

Get your feet summer-sandal ready

Heat, sun, sand and surf — the signature symbols of summer. However, your tootsies may not appreciate these elements as much as you do! From hairy toe woes to banishing blisters, here are some expert tips to get your feet sandal ready for your next poolside or beach event.
Be sweet to your feet
• If you can afford to splurge, a pedicure by a reputable specialist is a treat for your feet. In between treatments, you can baby your feet at-home — soaking and massaging your feet in the summertime will also help to keep them happy. Use a foot treatment to scrub away flaky skin.
• If you’ve been out walking or hiking, end the day by massaging your feet, soaking them in lukewarm water and keeping them elevated for 10 minutes to ease the stress on your circulatory system. Applying a soothing cream that’s been stored in the refrigerator, such as PlantogenR Sole Repair Cream, to relieve dryness and soothe stressed, overworked feet. Massage it into clean feet after bathing.
• New York podiatrist Dr Oliver Zong suggests, “Take special care of toenails, which are especially vulnerable around damp areas. Injury to the nail bed may make it more susceptible to infection, so see your podiatrist at first sign of discoloration or infection.”
Say buh-bye to blisters
• Beware of blisters — treat areas on your feet that are sensitive to blisters before they happen.
• Over-the-counter moleskin or blister pads are helpful to protect and prevent.
• Don’t pop blisters! The blister and the fluid inside act as natural, sterile dressings for the wound. Apply a protective bandage to protect the wound.
Fungus-free feet
Says Dr Zong, “Summer is also prime season for athlete’s foot — a fungal infection that thrives in moist, damp places.” To keep your feet fungus-free, follow these tips:
• Keep your feet dry and clean. Apply a topical antifungal medication on any cracking or peeling of the skin. • Wear socks that are made of an acrylic fiber, not cotton (acrylic wicks moisture away from the feet), and change your socks at least once a day.
• Put antiperspirant on your feet. The active ingredient, aluminum hydroxide, keeps your feet from sweating.
Get rid of unwanted toe fuzz
You’ve got it, you know you don’t want it, and it can appear anywhere. Have you already tried plucking, or even waxing? FDA approved laser hair removal is a great way to get rid of unwanted toe hair once and for all. NJ and NYC board-certified cosmetic surgeon, Dr Steve Fallek, suggests laser hair removal to get you on the road to recovery.
• According to Dr. Fallek, “lasers produce highly focused, intense beams of light that are absorbed by dark pigments in the hair follicles beneath the skin’s surface and converted to heat, destroying the follicles and preventing hair growth.”
• Treatments are needle-free and anesthesia-free, with most patients feeling nothing more than a slight sting, like the snap of a rubber band.
Finally, don’t forget the protection you offer the rest of your skin — shielding from the sun. Dr Zong says, “Apply sunscreen to your feet — especially the tops and in between toes — 20 to 30 minutes before going outdoors.”

How to give a foot massage

Take a good look at your feet after they’ve spent a day in snug leather shoes. What do they look like? Feel like? Are your feet pink and healthy and rarin’ to go and run about? Probably not. More likely your ten toes are squished against each other, resembling sardines in a can. The skin of your feet looks lifeless, perhaps gray in color and slightly clammy to the touch. Let’s liven them up with a foot massage! Read on for foot massage instructions.(Note: Be careful when receiving a foot massage during pregnancy. Some pressure points may cause contractions.)
How does a foot massage sound?

Regardless of whether you’re on the receiving end of a foot massage or you’re the one giving it, you both will experience many benefits, Even if you are simply massaging your own feet, it can still be a rewarding and satisfying way to end your day.
The giver: Giving a friend or loved one a foot massage is very soothing and calming for you, too, and can actually cause your blood pressure to decrease. It’s a very caring, nurturing, and bonding experience to share with another person.
The receiver: Obviously, this is really the best position to be in. Foot massage will help reduce your stress, boost circulation, and relieve blood stagnation from wearing ill-fitting shoes. In addition, it will dramatically relax your body, soothe foot muscles, and undo knots and tension in your toes, balls of your feet, arches, and ankles. It will even soften your feet if a cream or massage oil is applied!
One-on-one: Though not as fulfilling as having your feet massaged by another, self-massage enables you to care for your feet on a regular basis, to de-stress and pamper your feet as you see fit.
Techniques of foot massage
A foot massage can be performed at any time you wish or as part of a home pedicure procedure. The following illustrations depict some standard foot massage techniques that a nail technician might perform on a client during a pedicure. If you do not have a willing partner to give you a massage, never fear. These techniques are just as easily done (with some minor alterations) alone.
If a partner is involved, have the one receiving the foot massage recline against a big pillow on the sofa or bed to fully relax the entire body. Foot massage feels really great if the whole body is at ease.
If you’re going solo, find a comfortable chair, preferably one with padded arms and a foot rest, such as a recliner. Sit back, prop one foot in your lap and let the other rest extended in front of you, and massage those feet until they smile.
If using a massage oil or lotion, protect clothing and furniture with a towel or two. Rub oiled or creamed hands together vigorously to warm them before beginning the foot massage. Complete all six steps on one foot before moving on to the other.

________________________________________

________________________________________
Step 1: Stroke the top of the foot
Stroking stimulates circulation and warms the foot. Holding your partner’s foot in your hands, on the top of the foot begin a long, slow, firm, stroking motion with your thumbs, starting at the tips of the toes and sliding back away from you, all the way up to the ankle, then retrace your steps back to the toes with a lighter stroke. Repeat this step three to five times.

Stroke the bottom of the foot.
Step 2: Ankle rotations
Loosens joints and relaxes feet. Cup one hand under the heel, behind the ankle, to brace the foot and leg.
Grasp the ball of the foot with the other hand and turn the foot slowly at the ankle for three to five times in each direction. With repeated foot massages, any stiffness will begin to recede. This is a particularly good exercise for those of you suffering from arthritis.

Rotate the foot from the ankle.
Step 3: Toe pulls and squeezes
Toes, like fingers, are quite sensitive to the touch — this massage can be very calming. Grasp the foot beneath the arch. With the other hand, beginning with the big toe, hold the toe with your thumb on top and index finger beneath.
Starting at the base of the toe, slowly and firmly pull the toe, sliding your fingers to the top and back to the base. Now repeat, but gently squeeze and roll the toe between your thumb and index finger, working your way to the tip and back to the base. Repeat these two movements on the remaining toes.

Gently pull and squeeze the toes.
Step 4: Toe slides
Grasp foot behind the ankle, cupping under heel. With the index finger of the other hand, insert your finger between the toes, back and forth for three to five times.

Slide your fingers between the toes.
Step 5: Arch press
Releases tension in the inner and outer longitudinal arches. Hold foot as you did in Step 4.
Using the heel of your other hand, push hard as you slide along the arch from the ball of the foot toward the heel and back again. Repeat five times. This part of the foot can stand a little extra exertion on your part, just don’t apply too much pressure. Push your hand along the arch of the foot.

Step 6: Stroking. Repeat step 1
This is a good way to begin and end a foot massage.
Agony of the Feet Relaxing Massage Oil
You’ll need:
2 teaspoons (10 ml) castor, jojoba, soybean, or extra-virgin olive oil
3 drops lavender essential oil
1 drop German chamomile essential oil
1 drop geranium essential oil
To make:
Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl. Stir thoroughly. Yields one treatment.
To use:
Use approximately 1 teaspoon (5 ml per foot and massage in completely. Inhale the aroma on your hands before you massage, and continue to breathe deeply, as these particular oils are extremely calming. Put on socks after massage to absorb excess oil and soften feet.

Ooh la la… do-it-yourself French manicure in 7 easy steps

Want professional looking nails without spending your day’s pay in the salon? With some practice and a little patience, you can enjoy a fancy french manicure anytime you want for only the cost of your nail polish!
Their pale pink base and bright white tips characterize the ever-popular French manicures, which are a common request at nail salons everywhere. Professional nail stylists may paint your nails alone or they may apply fake tips if you desire. Based on your personal preferences, a nail designer will give your nails a strengthening and conditioning workout prior to painting them. If you get your nails done with fake tips, you may have to make a trip back to the salon to get your French tips “refilled” when your nails have grown noticeably.
Keeping longer, healthy nails will be most conducive to sporting a French manicure. To complete your own French manicure, begin with the following steps to prepare your nails for the procedure.
1. Using a cotton ball soaked in nail polish remover, wipe off any old nail polish prior to painting nails. Wash hands and soak in warm water for a few moments.
2. With an orangewood stick, gently push back the cuticles so they are all even with each other once the water has softened your skin.
3. With nail clippers, beauty scissors or a nail file, shape your nails evenly.
4. With a steady hand, carefully paint only the tip of each nail with a white hue. A second coat may be desirable, depending on the thickness and opaqueness of the polish. Allow polish to dry between coats.
5. Using a slightly transparent pink or nude color, paint the entire nail once the tips have dried. A second coat may be necessary. Allow nails to dry thoroughly.
6. Once all the coats have dried, apply a clear topcoat to protect your new French manicure. To lengthen the manicure’s lifespan, make an effort to paint a clear coat on each night. Be sure it has ample time to dry completely.
7. If you are feeling especially creative and ambitious, kick off your shoes and make your tootsie-tips match your fingertips!
This procedure is best performed on a lazy morning or evening when no other pressing errands or tasks will get in the way. After painting your nails, avoid doing things with your hands while they dry.
For an easier painting technique, check the beauty section of a drug store or superstore for a French manicure kit. The set should contain, at the very least, nail polish in white and pink or beige and a clear topcoat. Some manicure sets – like COVERGIRL’s French Manicure Kit – will contain tiny, sticky nail guides. These make the manicure process 100 times easier by allowing you to place the guides on each nail individually, leaving a small margin where the polish can spill outside the tip without tainting the rest of the nail.
As the holidays approach, let your crazy side out by concocting a wildly modified French manicure – green and white for St. Patrick’s Day, pastel shades for Easter, black and orange for Halloween and red and green for Christmas. Have fun and remember, even if you find the do-it-yourself French manicure difficult at first, practice will provide you with the skills you need to create beautiful and perfect manicures all year long!

Pamper yourself: Perfect pedicures in 12 simple steps

Whether you are in the mood to pamper yourself or just starting to get dolled up, a pedicure can be one of the most soothing and relaxing body treatments after a long day. If you find yourself surrounded by unavoidable stress factors day-to-day, wash your cares away with a pedicure! Just follow these easy steps.
Materials:
• Basin or tub
• Foot Soak, Epsom salt or bath salts
• Pumice footstone
• Small brush
• Nail polish remover / cotton balls
• Nail polish
• Base coat for nails
• Top coat for nails
• Clippers
• File
• Orangewood stick (Cuticle stick)
• Lotion
• Foot scrub treatment
Whether you are in the mood to pamper yourself or just starting to get dolled up, a pedicure can be one of the most soothing and relaxing body treatments after a long day. If you find yourself surrounded by unavoidable stress factors day-to-day, wash your cares away with a pedicure! Just follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Begin to fill a basin (or your bathtub) with several inches of warm water. Add desired amount of foot soak, bath salts or Epsom salt so that it dissolves in the water as the tub fills.
Step 2: While the tub is filling, remove any old polish from your toes with nail polish remover and cotton balls. If necessary, clip and file nails to desired shape and length.
Step 3: Grab a good book or magazine, turn on some music, or just sit back and enjoy the warm water on your tired feet. Soak for as long as you like, but at least 5-10 minutes.
Step 4: Using the small brush, gently buff one foot first and then the other. This will help to remove some dead skin cells and also to soften your feet.
Step 5: Using a foot scrub (Freeman’s makes a great one—Barefeet: Plum and Pumice foot scrub), massage the cream onto your feet, paying special attention to your heels and any rough spots. This will further soften and exfoliate.
Step 6: A pumice footstone can work wonders for dry and rough feet! Use this inexpensive extra to eliminate remaining rough spots. Dip feet after this step.
Step 7: Remove both feet from the tub and dry feet with towel. Massage your favorite lotion onto them. (Some companies even have a line of foot massage lotions!)
Step 8: Using orangewood stick, gently push your cuticles back along the nail. They should be supple due to the soaking.
Step 9: If you wish to paint your toenails, you can use toe separators to facilitate the process. Apply a base coat of nail polish to fill in the ridges and uneven surfaces. Base coats are generally clear or slightly opaque and they help to strengthen the nail to avoid breakage.
Step 10: Choose your desired shade of nail polish and apply. Allow first coat to dry and repeat. (Hint: For touch-ups, dip a Q-tip in the nail polish remover and gently swab away the unwanted color.)
Step 11: Apply a crystal-clear topcoat to add shine and to protect color from chipping.
Step 12: Enjoy your smooth, soft feet and beautified toes! You are now ready to sport your favorite sandals or cozy up at home in your comfiest slippers. Whatever the occasion, your feet will look and feel great!
Approximate time required: 45 minutes to an hour, depending on personal preference.

Quick and easy designs for fun and funky nails

Whether you have a hot date or a job interview, a wedding or a casual night out at the bar, get creative and try some new styles for your nail painting needs. Follow the following quick and easy tips to achieve a glamorous look in only minutes!
Basic Hues
Perhaps the simplest style of them all is the basic solid color manicure. For open-toed shoes, be sure to apply a coat of the same color to your tootsies to accent your outfit and make you feel even more stylish and sexy. Basic styles in neutral and mild tones work very well for first impressions. Save the black and silver for future engagements.
Choose a color that complements the clothing you intend to wear. If the outfit is patterned, pick a shade that appears within the design a bit less than the other colors and use that same shade of nail polish to emphasize that hue.
For an even more fashionable look, do your nails in the solid color and allow them to dry completely. When they are finished drying, use a thin brush or a toothpick with a different color and trace a diagonal line going the same way on each nail. Try to make them as uniform as possible, and as you become more and more adept at painting extra designs, create your own styles for fun.
School Spirited
If you are still in school or attending college, an exclamation of school pride would wear well on your nails by painting them in your school colors. You can do this in one of many ways:
• Alternate the colors by painting each nail entirely with one color and doing the next nail in the next school color. For example, if your school colors are blue and white, start with blue on your thumbnail, white on your index finger, blue on your middle finger, and so forth.
• Paint the nails all the same solid color, and once completely dry, paint the tips the other school color.
• Paint all nails one color, and using a toothpick or very thin brush, sketch a phrase or “GO (mascot or school name)!” on your fingernails if it fits.
• Get creative and make up your own… draw swirls, try to paint your school mascot, etc.
A Girl’s Night Out Styles
Attract some attention with a wild and crazy style – be it zebra stripes, metallic glints or otherwise. Perfect for a night to the clubs or a date out on the town.
Do a quick version of a French manicure by painting the base coat of your nails in a neutral tone, such as a salmon color. With a white hue, once dry, paint the tips of your nails carefully and as uniformly as possible. This works best if you are able to grow your nails out a bit so you can use your natural nails’ anatomy as a guide.
Glitter and glamour: Choose a base color to use on all of your nails to complement your outfit. Allow that coat to dry – paint another coat if necessary. Once the nails are smudge-proof, take a glass coat of clear gloss or a sparkle coat that matches the chosen color and add your own special touches. Dark blue and black look very nice with silver glitter, red with gold glitter, though the combination possibilities are endless. These glittery styles may complement wedding apparel, semi-formalwear and even casual attire.

To save even more time, apply a clear coat to your nails each day to protect the polish from chipping. Experiment with decals and nail transfers if you are not up for designing your own artistic themes. Be creative, do not get discouraged and remember, the more practice you get, the easier it will become each time you try a new style!

Tips

September 22, 2006 at 2:23 am | In Taking care of you | Leave a Comment

How to promote hair growth

The experts at Salon
Ishi, New York, have lots of experience with clients who want their hair to grow or who have thinning hair. A healthy scalp and balanced hair generally promotes thicker, healthier hair and maximizes potential growth. Salon Ishi has had some positive results with combinations of products and treatments! The products and services that we are using that our clients are happy and seeing benefits are as follows: • Seeds Tea — A healthy scalp is a big factor. Arimino’s clay based scalp cleanser is massaged onto the scalp and left on for 5 minutes. It removes built up chemicals and sebum. An over stimulated scalp is caused by daily shampooing. There is no need to apply conditioner afterwards. It is made with Thia Treatment, Arimino’s conditioning treatment, as a main ingredient. Continued use rebalances the scalps secretions. • Water Treatment — an in-salon treatment, is the newest concept from
Japan! It is based on the concept that the reduction of water in the cell is the cause of damage and aging. Purified water is applied to the scalp and an oxygen emitting tube is placed around your head. After 8 minutes we check to see if the water has been deposited. We check this by the temperature of the scalp. (It takes 8 minutes for the blood to be circulated throughout the body.) The process takes about 1 hour. The result is thicker hair because it is filled with moisture. Phytophanere — a dietary supplement by Phyto to improve the quality of your hair. We’ve gotten raves from the clients that we’ve recommended. We also have them use Phytocyane, a revitalizing lotion. It is applied after shampooing to the entire scalp and not rinsed. Phyto recommends, as an intensive program 1 ampoule 2 or 3 times per week, for the first 4 months. To maintain the results, use 1 ampoule per week for 2 or 3 months. • Styling — we recommend that the hair is kept shorter. Shorter hair looks fuller! Longer hair puts stress on the roots. A must is not to have your hair undercut. This takes away the needed volume. Graduated layering gives fullness and bounce. • There is something to be said about “positive thinking!” When you start a regimen you are focused and doing all the steps required. This is stimulating in itself! You are going to see some positive results! The question is whether or not these are leading us to long-term cures?

How to protect your hair from the sun

When summertime rolls around it is easy to get caught up in the toasty warmth of the sun and forget to adequately protect your hair. There has been lots of publicity lately about the damage that the sun can do to skin. Everyone knows that the sun can potentially cause cellular damage that can speed up aging and possibly trigger cancer. But it is essential that you protect your hair as well. Sun damage to the hair can manifest as faded hair color, brittle and dry hair shafts and split ends. Light waves on hair The sun’s light waves are categorized by their intensity. There are three categories of light waves. These are UVA, UVB and UVC. The UVA and UVB can both damage the hair in a variety of ways. It can cause permanent damage to the outside covering of the hair which is the cuticle and it can penetrate into the center of the hair, which is the cortex and do all sorts of damage. UVA – Ultraviolet A. This is the sun’s strong radiation-filled light rays. Ultraviolet A rays have the longest wavelength and they can penetrate into the hair’s deepest inner layer, which is the cortex. The UVA rays disturb the hair cortex’s fiber-like cells that gives the hair its strength and elasticity. It can also damage the color pigments that create natural hair color. The UVA rays can also burn the hair cuticle which is the outer hair layer. The cuticle contains a web of tiny overlapping scales. Then the scales are damaged they can not lay flat, like they are supposed to, and will look lifeless, brittle and dry. UVA rays can also burn and damage unprotected scalp. It is even possible to burn the part of your hair where scalp is unprotected. UVA rays can damage the skin on the scalp in many ways and activate free radicals which accelerates aging. A severe sunburn on the scalp has even been known to cause some cases of hair loss. UVB – Ultraviolet B. These are invisible rays that also can penetrate deep into the hair’s cortex or center damaging the hair fibers. It can also damage the hair cuticle. UVB rays can easily dry out the hair and cause natural and chemical colors to fade. UVC – Ultraviolet C. These rays are the most damaging but do not reach us because of the ozone layer which currently protects us. Types of hair protection filters
There are two type of sun protection filters that will protect the hair from UVA and UVB damage. Products will contain either physical or chemical filters. The sun protection factor (SPF) of a product refers to the length of time you can remain in the sun safely. To calculate this protection time, multiple the SPF by the number of minutes you can stay in the sun unprotected without burning. For example, if you normally takes 10 minutes of sun exposure before starting to burn, using a sunscreen with SPF 8 will theoretically extend this to 80 minutes. Physical filters sit on the hair’s surface and reflect, rather than absorb, ultraviolet rays. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are some examples of physical filters used in most sunscreens. They repel radiation at all wavelengths (including infra-red waves), which is essential as burning and damage involves the interaction of all wavelengths at varying degrees. Chemical filters absorb ultraviolet light like a sponge and prevents the sun’s rays from penetrating and attacking the hair. The fact that they can be mixed into any base, dissolved into gels, lotions, moisturizing cream bases and waterproof formulations making them cosmetically acceptable for use on the hair. Hair care products designed to filter the UVA and UVB can contain either a physical or chemical filter. Products with sun filters
Whether a hair care product will actually protect your hair from UVA or UVB rays depends on the following factors: 1. Type of hair care products you use
Hair care products are designed in different ways to interact with the cuticle of the hair, which is the outer layer. Some of the hair care products that contain sun filters will work better than other hair care products because of the design of the products. Leave in hair conditioners are designed to penetrate or settle down into the layer of the cuticle. In other words, hair conditioners soak into the tiny little overlapping scales. Other hair care products like hair sprays and other types of hairsetting sprays may not be designed to soak into the shaft, but to float over it. This makes them less durable for any extended period of time. That is why some hairspray require touchups during the day. Hair care products that float on top of the cuticle and not down into it will offer less protection. 2. Strength of the hair care product
Some hair care products actually have SPF agents that are listed on the bottle. Other products list a specific chemical component that is known to be a sunscreen agent. Aveda’s Styling Curessence leave-in heat protection spray and conditioner has Octyl Methyoxycinnamate listed in the contents. This is a known sunscreen ingredient. Most of the hair color manufacturers like Matrix and Framesi will have special SPF formulas added to their products. Some manufacturers will add the specific ingredients. If you are serious about sun protection for your hair, make sure the products you use list an actual SPF. Most hair care products will not use more than 10 SPF or the formula will be too heavy for the hair. Hair care products with actual SPF formulas do work to protect the hair… they have been proven to protect the hair from UVA and UVB damage. It is important to keep in mind that all hair care products with sunscreens are not the same. You may find that you have to pay more for a product with a strong SPF or 8-10. Warning: If a hair care product says that is has sun protection but does not list an actual SPF or does not list a specific known sunscreen like Octyl Methyosycinnamate, there is a possibility that the product does not really have sun screen protection and it could be a marketing ploy. Unfortunately, some hair care companies will advertise that their product will protect against UVA or UVB rays and they don’t. It is very important to read the labels and to understand what you are buying. 3. Amount of sun exposure your hair will have
Hair products with listed SPF factors that are designed to penetrate the hair cuticle (like leave in conditioners)will serve you well is daily short periods of sun exposure. If you are going to the beach or will be out in the sun for an extended period of time it is best to supplement your sun protection product with a full blown SPF type of product or a product designed specifically for heavy or prolonged sun exposure. The surface of the hair can grab a leave in conditioning product for an extended period, but it may be best to supplement for added protection. An example of a supplemental product would be the Phytoplage Sun protection oil. About products designed for summer sun
The level of SPF is a factor in hair care products, as it is in lotions to protect the skin. Most SPF formulas in hair care products will not be much above a level of 10 to prevent the hair from getting flat and heavy. Some hair care products will have sunscreens in the form of actual ingredients, but will not have an SPF factor added. To get the maximum protection for your hair, use a product with an SPF. These have been proven to work. Which products are best? This is a personal choice. A lot of the best products are also the most expensive. It is possible to find a moderately priced hair care product with added SPFs, but the only way to find them is to read the labels. Some companies will advertise that their product does have UV filters when in reality they do not. If a product, like L’Oreal shampoo claims to have UV filters, but you don’t see an SPF factor, move on to the next product. What is the point of buying a sun protection product if you are not sure you are getting the benefits? Phytologie’s Summer Hair Products are specifically designed to protect against sun, salt and chlorine. They offer several that work in conjunction with each other to give complete sun protection coverage. The Phytoplage Sun protection oil, oil sprays and rehydrating jelly can all be applied to either wet or dry hair as needed for extended or heavy sun exposures

How to straighten curly hair: Taming your mane

The Makeup Diva is taking your questions! Check out her advice on straightening wavy hair, and then feel free to submit a question of your own! The questionMy hair is really wavy so I always wear it up. What styles could make my hair look straighter?

The Makeup Diva responds
Styling products, a round brush, and a blow-dryer should be your new best friends if you want your hair straighter. Work a dollop of straightening gel (like my favorite Phytotherathrie Phytodefrisant Hair Straightening Balm $18; check makeupdiva.com for locations) into lightly towel dried hair, making sure to evenly distribute it and comb it through to the ends. There are many brands out there, but I like Phytotherathrie Phytodefrisant the best because it works and it’s not sticky or stiff. Use a round brush, preferably natural bristle (like from www.jean-pierre-creations.com), on sections of hair as you are drying. Take sections of hair from the root onto the brush and pull it straight as you aim the blowdryer on the hair (do it quickly so you don’t expose the hair to too much heat). The straightening balm needs the heat of the dryer and the tension of the brush to help the hair straighten, so don’t expect to just put the balm on and blowdry as usual. The more you use this method of drying your hair, the easier it will become. I style my hair like this every day and it takes only 5-10 minutes. In terms of hair style and length, I also have wavy hair and I find that wearing it mostly all one length and medium to long in length, rather than short, helps weigh the hair down and makes it easier to control. Try a cut that is near or just past shoulder length. Finally, talk to your hairdresser about products and styling that she suggests for you. She knows your hair and can help you work with the texture. Yours in beauty,
The Makeup Diva

How to style your hair for a special date

When you are headed out on that special date, the best thing that you can do for your hair is make it irresistibly touchable. You will want your hair to be clean and shiny, but you will also want it to move and be free. We’re lucky to be living in the 21st century, because technology has made beauty much easier. Not only are there shampoos, conditioners and styling products for every type of hair texture know, but there are now amazing appliances like ionic hairdryers and irons that allow us to style freely without the fear of frying our hair. These appliances produce negative ions through ceramic or tourmaline, and the negative ions will add softness, shine and manageability to your hair. My favorite iron is the True Ceramic Pro (www.trueceramicpro.com). Its plates are narrow, so it’s easy to create lots of different styles with it, plus its temperature gauge allows use on every type of hair — from delicate color treated to coarse, resistant curly hair. So here we go: For this occasion I think the simpler your hair, is the better it is. Let’s start by shampooing and conditioning your hair, and then quickly blow drying it, preferably with an ionic blow dryer. Many different companies make these now, check out your beauty supply store to choose from a selection. For speed, don’t focus too much on the blow dry, with the exception of your hair around he face. In this area, you will want to use a round natural bristle brush to smooth out the hair and give it some direction. The real styling will be done in this next step. Now, section off your hair by taking a U section on the top of your head — say from the outside corners of your eyebrows to the crown — and then clipping it out of the way. Starting with the hair in front of your ear on one side, take your iron and run it smoothly down a 1-inch section of hair. Continue this by working around to the back center of your head, pulling the stands forward to make it easier for you to style. Then repeat this process on the other side. Next, take the top section and smooth the crown area first, working your way to the front hairline. Feel free to turn the ends under or flip them out — whatever suits your personality. The key is to keep your hair touchable, so when you are done styling, leave it product-free. You will be amazed how shiny your hair is and how well it will hold.

How to style your own hair for your wedding

It’s your big day, and you’re spending a fortune for photographs, dinner for your guests — not to mention the honeymoon! Still, you shouldn’t have to break the bank to look good! Come on, you’ve been doing your hair since grade school. What makes you think that you can’t do it today! Here are some helpful hints. First of all, make sure that your hair is feeling healthy and looking shiny. Unless your hair gets extremely oily fast, wash and condition your hair the night before your wedding day and don’t wash it on the big day. Your hair will look better and be less flyaway when it’s not perfectly clean. For an excellent shampoo and conditioner that is reasonably priced, try Neutrogena Triple Moisture. This combo will leave your hair feeling moisturized, resulting in shiny hair. If your hair is long and you’re thinking of wearing it up, it’s easier than you think to create a look that has red carpet style. And after all, isn’t that the way you want to look and feel on your special day? So here we go. You are going to need a set of jumbo hot rollers to add some body and texture to your hair, a hair elastic (preferably fabric coated without a metal fastener — Goody and Scunci both make these), some bobby pins/hair pins that match the color of your hair, and a can of Sebastian Laminates Spray. (This product is worth spending a little more for because it will give your style long-lasting hold while adding heat protection and incredible shine to your hair.) Next: Do a simple roller set with the jumbo hot rollers. Take sections of hair where the base is about the size of the roller; spray the root area with some of the laminates spray (and lightly on the ends if your hair doesn’t hold curl well). Then, roll the hair back: away from the face, and down on the sides and in the back of your head. Be sure that the ends of the hair are smooth when they wrap around the roller. Brush the individual sections if you need to prior to wrapping. Let your hair completely cool before proceeding to create the finished look. Now is a good time to do your make-up! When cool, remove the rollers. Take a tiny bit of body lotion and rub it between your hands first. (You could spend money on a special hair cream, but a lightweight body lotion will do essentially the same thing.) Flip your head over, and with your hands starting on the ends of your hair, separate the curls and smooth over the strands to take away any flyaways. While your head is still flipped over, gather the hair into a pony tail in the crown area of your head and fasten it with the elastic. When you lift your head, you now have a loosely-curled ponytail. Notice that I didn’t mention brushing your hair; this leaves some texture to the hair on the scalp that you have pulled up, and it also leaves some nice separation to the curled ends. Now you are going to finish the look by taking pieces from the ponytail and wrapping them loosely around the hair elastic. As you wrap, pin the sections in with your bobby pins, going underneath the hair elastic. You are creating a loose freeform topknot or bun. This look is modern and sophisticated without feeling stuffy or overdone. Use your hairpins to tuck away any pieces that don’t look quite right. And use your imagination and creativity while you are doing this part. It is a gorgeous look that is quick and easy to do. When you get it just right, give it a bit more of the laminates spray to lock it in for the rest of the day. You’ll look like a modern day Audrey Hepburn when you’re done! I’ll bet you didn’t know that you could be so creative.

How to winterize your curls: Winter hair care

Every year when the mercury plummets, stylist Jonathan Torch starts getting the calls from unhappy clients. Almost overnight, their curls become droopy and dry, flat and flyaway. Holy grail products and tried-and-true styling techniques stop working as well. “When it turns cold, it’s like a switch turns on,” says Torch of Toronto, Canada-based Curly Hair Solutions. “Everyone says ‘I can’t do anything with my hair.’ Their routine changes overnight.” Curlies spend most of the summer griping about heat and humidity. But whether they know it or not, they actually rely on that moisture for body and bounce. To counteract the climate changes, stylists recommend extra conditioning, using less product and tweaking the cut to bring life back to limp ringlets. “I always like to change my clients’ color, cuts and products with the seasons,” says Jason Yates, creative director of Houston-based Farouk Systems, manufacturer of the Biosilk line as well as CHI heat-styling products.”Their hair texture changes, their skin tone changes and their mood changes. As a hairdresser, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity if you don’t respond to that.” Christo says his clients seem to know that they have to condition in the summer months, with the heat and the sun. But in the winter, many forget about it. “From December through February, the heat is pumping everywhere,” Christo said. “The heat can totally dehydrate the hair.” Deep conditioning is vital for parched winter locks. Most stylists recommend deep conditioning at least once a week. Choose a moisturizer rich in humectants and natural oils. “I see a drastic change in the dryness of the scalp and the hair immediately when the climate changes,” says stylist Diane Da Costa, author of Textured Tresses. Da Costa recommends massaging the scalp with light oils like jojoba or shea butter. Don’t shampoo as often since that can deplete natural oils. If you normally shampoo every three days, shampoo once a week during the winter. To freshen the curls, spritz them with a lavender mist. A humidifier can help by adding moisture to the air, which cuts down on static. Da Costa also recommends drinking a lot of water for internal hydration. Regular trims every eight to 10 weeks are important in the winter to get rid of parched ends and give the curls more bounce.“As the weather gets dryer, the ends get dryer and fuzzier,” says Dona Polston, a member of ABBA Pure & Natural Hair Care’s artistic team.”There’s nothing worse than frizzy, flyaway ends.” Stylists agree that winter is the time to get creative with your curls. The styles can be shorter and edgier. Texturizing the hair can add volume and movement. “This is the time you can do anything with curly hair,” Ouidad says. “You don’t have to worry about shrinkage. People come in and cut it short and cut in lots of movement.” Christo says he changes the way he cuts hair in the winter, using “a little more angles, long layers and a little more framing of the face.” “It’s not the same cut I give in the summer,” he says. “In the winter, I push people to make changes. I say ‘Let’s do something fun.’ It can brighten things up.” Curlies should also adjust the way they style their hair in the colder months. When at all possible, avoid excessive heat styling with appliances such as blowdryers or straightening irons. If you do have to use a dryer, Ouidad suggests diffusing it on low heat, concentrating on the roots. Air dry as often as you can, but make sure that hair isn’t wet when leaving the house. In cold weather, it can freeze, causing breakage, says Mahisha Dellinger, creator of the CURLS haircare line. “The less you deal with styling tools, the better off you’ll be,” Polston says. With styling products, less is more in the winter months. Christo says many of his clients keep doing exactly what they were doing for the summer and wonder why their hair responds different. “The curls don’t have bounce and don’t move as freely,” he says. “What they’re using may be too much for the hair.” Christo says he uses light products from his Curlisto line during the winter months, adding a dab of leave-in conditioner to the mix to add extra moisture. “It doesn’t take much to style curly hair in the winter,” he says. “If you usually use a quarter-size, use a nickel-size.” Antonio Soddu, creator of the CurlFriends line of products, suggests using products that enhance volume rather than those that weigh the hair down — a practice that may run counter to what curlies usually do. Always make sure to apply the product in sections when the hair is wet for best results. With the change in climate, tweaking hair color also is important. Stylists recommend deeper more vibrant shades with more dimension, such as caramels, butterscotches, auburns, coppers and rich browns. Curly hair looks shinier and richer when it’s darker, Soddu says. Lighter hair tends to show more damage. “Now is the time for a little drama,” Soddu said. Winter tips from the experts
Ouidad: “Don’t rinse your conditioner out completely. Leave in about 25 percent of the conditioner.”

Christo of Christo Fifth Avenue: “Condition hair before and after you color it. Your hair won’t feel so dry.”

Mahisha Dellinger of CURLS: “Massage a quarter teaspoon of warm natural oil — olive, avocado, jojoba, etc. — through your hair once a week at night, starting at the end and working up to the roots. Leave on overnight.

Diane Da Costa, author of Textured Tresses: At night, to preserve curls, put it up in pin curls. For kinkier, tighter hair, twist it with pomade.

Dona Polston, member of the artistic team for ABBA Pure & Natural Haircare: Before you put on a hat, put on some Nourishing conditioner. It’s like giving yourself a conditioning treatment.

Jane Carter of the Jane Carter Solution: Leave a little conditioner in the ends.

Jason Yates, creative director of Farouk Systems: “When it’s battered by wind and rain, curly hair tends to be more brittle and fragile. Use more strengthening, more moisturizing products.”

Jonathan Torch, creator of Curly Hair Solutions: “I encourage using products with a little more hold. People who don’t need gel in the summer may start using it in the winter to keep their curls looking fresh.”

Jess McGuinty of Jessicurl: If the hair is healthy and not color treated, it’s better to stay away from a product high in protein because excess protein can make healthy hair dry and brittle.

Antonio Soddu, creator of the CurlFriends line: Be careful not to saturate the hair too much with products.Keeping the luster in your locks: The four most common hair concerns

Having a good hair day doesn’t just happen by chance. It happens when taking care of your hair becomes just as important as taking care of your skin. But what do you do when your hair has been damaged by every day styling, and chemical processing, dyeing or perming? Is there any solution for fly-away hair, dullness and faded color? Understanding how hair damage can occur is the best defense against both preventing it and repairing it. Repairing damage

“Hair damage results from both mechanical and chemical trauma that alters the physical structures of the hair,” says Dermatologist Zoe Diana Draelos, of Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. “There is no easy fix for hair that has become dull, brittle and porous, but there are certainly products and tips that can help individuals minimize the damage that occurs to the hair every day.” The hair has three basic layers: the cuticle, the cortex and the medulla. The cuticle is the outer layer of protective scales. It is the main hair structure and is responsible for the strength, shine, smoothness, softness and manageability of healthy hair. There is also a layer of sebum, an oily substance secreted by the hair follicles, which coats the cuticles and adds shine and manageability to the hair. The cortex provides strength to the hair shaft, and determines the color and texture of hair. The medulla is the innermost core of the hair where the body and strength of the hair is determined. The cuticle can be damaged by chemical or mechanical means, such as dyeing or blow-drying. Environmental factors, such as exposure to sunlight, air pollution, wind, seawater and chlorinated swimming pool water can also cause damage to occur. When the cuticle is damaged by such means, the protective scales are peeled away and the rest of the hair shaft is exposed. In some cases, even the innermost layer — the medulla — is exposed for further damage. “The best way to improve the cosmetic value of the damaged or weathered hair shaft is to use conditioners, which cannot repair the hair shaft, but can increase shine, decrease static electricity, improve hair strength and provide ultraviolet (UV) radiation protection,” says Dr Draelos. “These are four factors which are very important for a healthy head of hair.” Shine
Shiny hair has always been equated with healthy hair, even though the health of a hair follicle cannot be determined due to its location deep within the scalp. The shine is due to light reflected by the smooth surface of the individual hair shafts. Conditioners containing polymer film-forming agents can increase hair shine by helping the cuticle “scales” lie flat against the hair shaft for a smoother appearance. Static electricity
Combing or brushing the hair allows the individual hair shaft to become negatively charged, creating static electricity and preventing the hair from lying smoothly in a given style. Fine hair is more susceptible to static electricity than coarse hair due to the greater surface area of the cuticle. Conditioners with the ingredient quaternary ammonium can minimize static electricity by imparting cationic properties, or positively charged ions, to the hair to neutralize the static. Strength
Increasing the hairs’ strength can be attempted by using conditioners with ingredients such as hydrolyzed proteins or hydrolyzed human hair keratin proteins, which have a low molecular weight. They can easily penetrate the hair shaft to replenish the hairs nutrients, providing a high degree of improvement. These proteins can also be used to smooth down split ends, also known as trichoptilosis. “
Split ends develop after the protective cuticle has been stripped away from the end of hair fibers as a result of chemical or physical trauma,” says Dr Draelos, “but it can also be a result of vigorous brushing.” While there is no way to reverse split ends, trims every four weeks and deep-conditioning treatments can keep strands supple and flexible. Photoprotection
While the hair is made up of nonliving materials and cannot develop cancerous qualities, its cosmetic value can be diminished through excessive exposure to the sun. UV exposure can induce oxidation of the sulfur molecules within the hair shaft, which are important for hair strength. If this oxidation occurs, the hair can become weak, dry, rough, faded and brittle. Individuals who bleach or lighten their natural hair color may also notice slight color changes in their hair when it is exposed to UV rays. Blonde hair may develop “photoyellowing,” a process where chemicals in the hair shaft react to UV exposure, causing yellowing, fading and a dull appearance. Even natural brunette hair tends to develop reddish hues due to the photo-oxidation of melanin pigments in the hair shaft. To protect your hair from the damaging rays of the sun, look for a leave-in conditioner that contains zinc oxide. Wearing a hat made of a solid material is another form of protection. When selecting a hat for sun protection choose carefully. Some hats, which may be fashionable and look nice, have open spaces, especially straw hats, which cannot give you much protection. “It’s important to take care of the hair to prevent obvious damage,” recommends Dr Draelos. “Hair truly is the crowning glory on every person and it only takes a few extra moments to add proper hair care to a daily routine.”

Natural hair care

Many haircare and cosmetic companies advertise that they use “natural” ingredients. What does the word “natural” really mean? Hair expert Karen Shelton tells you. Case study: Aveda I have been a big fan of Aveda haircare products for many years. I have been asked many times why I prefer their products to many drugstore brands. I personally get great results. My hair responds very well to the Aveda shampoos and conditioners. I also like the fact that Aveda uses ingredients that are derived, whenever possible, from plants that don’t use hazardous products such as fertilizers, insecticides or herbicides. Many haircare and cosmetic companies advertise that they use “natural” ingredients. What does the word “natural” really mean? Aveda does not advertise that they are “natural”. Instead, the company highlights their use of ingredients derived from plants. I have always known that Aveda did use some limited chemicals, when required, to create the highest quality product line. I read a recent interview with Horst Rechelbacher, the founder and CEO of Aveda. In the article, Horst made a point of saying that he does not like the word “natural.” He points out that because something is totally natural, it is not necessarily good. Horst gave the example of petrochemicals which he pointed out are “natural,” but tend to be awful in a lot of ways. Horst explained that Aveda resists using any “unnecessary” chemicals in any of their products. Unfortunately, Aveda and other similar companies (e.g. Phytotherathrie) have learned that some chemicals are absolutely required to create haircare products that consumers demand. Bowing to consumer demand
The most common chemicals are preservatives and foaming agents. It is a well-known fact that the majority of consumers do not like to buy shampoos that don’t create suds. If a shampoo does not produce a good lather, it is considered inferior. Ultimately, shampoo is considered to be a “beauty” product. Consumers have certain expectation of all beauty products. Consumers also demand a reasonable shelf life. Without preservatives many products only last a few weeks. Many of the most religiously “natural” shampoos contain the chemical sodium laurel sulfate (a petrochemical product) which produces foam and suds. The only shampoo that I know of that does not include a foaming agent is made by Aubrey Organics. The Aubrey haircare products are sold in health food stores and are not found in department stores or hair salons. Aubrey Organics is owned by Aubrey Hampton. He resists the use of sodium laurel sulfate in his shampoos. Aubrey believes that shampoos don’t have to lather or foam. While this may be true, many consumers are still very unhappy with shampoo that does not produce suds. Many consumers could care less about chemicals that are added to their shampoos and related products. Aubrey Hampton has spent a lot of time studying all the ramifications of chemicals that are added to haircare products. He has written the book, What’s In Your Cosmetics? Aubrey provides a very detailed look at all the additives that may be included in the shampoos that you buy. Aveda is also in the highly competitive business of selling haircare and beauty products. To be competitive and successful, they must provide what the consumer demands. This includes the need to use some chemicals. On a positive note, Aveda resists using chemicals or additives unless absolutely necessary. Synthetics and when “All Natural” isn’t best
Another issue of concern is the addition of synthetics that may be added to products. Some ingredients that are listed on the label of a shampoo may actually be a synthetic version. A good example is jojoba oil. Many shampoo products only contain the synthetic version of jojoba oil and not the original. Aloe Vera is another ingredient that is often watered down by the time it is added to the shampoo. In some cases all natural can be bad. Some people can be allergic to totally natural products and do better with products that include some synthetic blends. Obviously it is better to have minimal fragrance and dyes added to a product. Political correctness and usability
Aveda is definitely concerned about the environment and political correctness. Aveda is famous for helping local economies by providing funds to assist in the organic planting of cosmetic agents. In 1992 Aveda discovered an all-natural coloring agent made from uruku powder found in South America. By funding the planting of 13,000 uruku seedlings, a small village in Brazil gained economic independence and Aveda was able to avoid unnecessary artificial coloring or dyes. Phytotherathrie (Phyto), Sebastian and the Body Shop have had similar environmental friendly successes. Phytotherathrie is a brand that I have tried and liked. While I still personally prefer Aveda, Phytotherathrie has wonderful haircare products. Phyto funded an arboretum devoted specifically to plant research in France with more than 400 species of trees. Sebastian has built an indoor rainforest to study the world’s natural resources. Even with a concern for the environment, Aveda and their competitive companies still use some chemicals. While they strive to avoid use of anything hazardous, their products still contain some ingredients such as fragrances, that may not be 100% natural. Compared to many other haircare products on the market, Aveda utilizes limited chemical and synthetic additives. I have read the labels and consciously choose to use the Aveda products. While I have tried some of the totally natural Aubrey Organic products, they do not work as well on my hair as Aveda. The best brands
There are currently several haircare and cosmetic companies that strive to be “as natural” as possible. These companies include (but are not limited to) Origins, Annemaire Borlind Cosmetics, Aubrey Organics, The Body Shop, Kiehl, Kiss My Face, Nexxus, Nu Skin, John Paul Mitchell Systems, Perlier, Phytotherathrie, Phytomer, Sebastian and Yves Rocher. If you really want to use 100% natural shampoo and haircare products, I would recommend making your own products at home. If you take this approach you can guarantee that you use only the best and organic substances. In summary, if a haircare product advertises that it is “natural” this may simply mean that it avoids any unnecessary chemical additives. It may also mean that it is an environmentally friendly company striving to provide a product with plant and herbal additives. Except in the case of Aubrey Organics, it does not mean that it is 100% chemically free. When you purchase haircare products read the labels and make your own decisions on what level of “natural” ingredients you wish to accept in the haircare products that you use on your hair. This is the most responsible way to select the best products for you.

Ooh la la! Makeup and beauty tips for busy women

Every morning you struggle to get the kids dressed, fed, and off to school. You fight traffic to work, race the clock all day, and fight traffic home again. Evening is reserved for shopping, cooking, cleaning, and the daily homework nag. At night you collapse into bed, exhausted. And usually, you don’t even notice what is missing. Beauty
You’re waaaay too busy to even think about how you look, much less do something about it. Beauty is a luxury reserved for supermodels, fresh-faced high school girls, and, oh…fairy tale princesses. Right? “Absolutely wrong,” says esthetician, makeup artist, and day spa owner Susie Galvez. “No one is too busy for beauty. In fact, being beautiful isn’t just about how you look, it’s about how you feel. So making an effort to look good can actually energize you and help you de-stress. Think of it as an investment in your wellbeing. And it’s a myth that you have to spend hours preening in front of a mirror to be beautiful-you can take small, five-minute beauty steps here and there that have a big, all-day-long impact.” Galvez proves her point with her new Ooh la la! series of gift books from London’s MQ Publications Limited. These small, 6 x 6 inch books feature sleek metallic covers and are packed with fun, easy, bite-sized beauty tips that will appeal to even the busiest woman. (Cost of each book is US $14.95/ UK £ 6.99/ CAN $17.95). Her four new titles are: Ooh la la! perfect hair
This book offers tips on making the most of your hairdo by selecting the correct products and styling tools for your hair type. It’s full of great ideas on how to put the “luscious” back into your locks. Sample Tip: To revive flat hair between shampooing, roll hair on Velcro rollers, mist ever so slightly with water, and put a large shower cap on top. Shower as usual. The steam from the shower will help set the style and give the hair extra volume. Blow-dry the rollers for just a minute or two until dry. Take the rollers out and vavoom…volume! Ooh la la! perfect face
Bursting with professional secrets and tips on how to achieve and maintain a radiant face, this collection helps you solve those beauty emergencies and keep aging at bay. Sample Tip: Even if you cannot go for a facial as much as you would like, plan on having at least two-one at the end of winter and one at the end of summer. A good, professional facial will remove the seasons from your face. It will take off the extra dead skin cells that these seasons bring, as well as prepare the skin for a new day. Ooh la la! Perfect Body
Learn the secrets of spa treatments and transform your bathroom into a sanctuary where you can pamper yourself. From tips on keeping your hands and feet in their best condition to quick-fix solutions for those pesky problem areas, this book will help you look and feel great. Sample Tip: To keep knees, elbows, and skin on the heels in the softest condition and free from discoloration, make some lemon “aid.” Squeeze the juice from a lemon into two tablespoons of sugar. Apply the mixture to heels, elbows, and knees. Allow to work for two to three minutes. Gently rub off with a warm washcloth, pat dry, and add a dab of moisturizer. Areas will feel silky smooth and look more even in color. Ooh la la! Perfect Makeup
Learn to love your face with these fabulous, fresh, and fun tips. This wonderful collection instructs you on all areas of the makeup process and gives you the confidence to experiment with a multitude of different looks. Sample Tip: A mauve/brown lip color is a great neutral and universal hue. It works well on almost everyone so it is a perfect handbag or travel bag staple. If desperate, you can actually use it as blush by applying a little dab on the cheeks. It also works well as a soft eye shadow in an emergency. Galvez suggests that women try a different quick and easy beauty tip from one of her books at least once a week. “When you take a few minutes out of your hectic routine to pamper yourself, you’re proclaiming to the world, ‘I count. I deserve to look and feel my best.’ And you’re also proclaiming it to yourself. We women feel that we have to take care of everyone else, and in the process we neglect us. But if we don’t feel good about ourselves, we can’t be good wives, mothers, employees, bosses, or friends. So beauty is as much about your psychological and emotional health as it is about flawless eye shadow and polished toenails. Amazing, isn’t it, how something that seems so minor can be so powerful?”

Pack-smart beach essentials for stylish chicks

Dashing off to the beach for vacation or a weekend getaway? Not so fast! Be sure you’ve packed all the essential items you’ll need to stay stylish and chic during your time in the sun! To maximize your fun, minimize the number of beauty accessories you lug along to you vacation location with these helpful packing hints.

Makeup

Lip gloss is critical for preventing chapped, dried out smackers, but even more importantly, for avoiding sunburned lips! Try to find a tasty chapstick that also has SPF protection — read the fine print, since many don’t advertise whether or not they include SPF15 or greater.
Don’t stress out over how much eye make-up to bring, and forget about the liquid foundation as the sticky heat makes it react quite differently than you’re used to….
If you like, pack a waterproof mascara to prevent the waves from washing out your eyes. Nothing is worse than unexpectedly looking like a crybaby when you’re having the time of your life in the surf and on the sand! (Do not forget to pack make-up remover, as most waterproof mascara is resistant to even soap and water!)
Bring a concealer stick or powder compact to touch up blemishes. Too much foundation on a warm day can look and feel “cakey” or may just run if the temperature is too high. Also, make-up bottles stowed away in luggage, purses and carry-on bags are a bad idea when traveling. I once had a bottle of liquid foundation coat the entire contents of my backpack, destroy a brand-new purse and give me at least an hour of clean-up in one fell swoop! If you simply cannot live without your liquid foundation, place the bottle in a zip-lock bag just in case!
Craving some color? It can’t hurt to bring a hue or two of eye shadow… but be careful with lipstick, as it tends to melt when higher temperatures prevail!

Body Care

No matter how badly you want a tan, bring suntan lotion to protect your precious hide from overexposure! Though they are possibly the most obvious item, don’t forget your sunglasses!
Just in case you do get some sunburn, do your body a favor and slap on some aloe. A medium-sized plastic bottle is more than you will need, and you’ll thank yourself for remembering it if you happen to fall asleep on the beach.
For another miracle remedy, pick up a bottle of cocoa butter lotion. Once the aloe has reduced the burning sensation from your skin, you can rub in a little cocoa butter to prevent peeling and to re-moisturize the afflicted area.
Have you ever been caught in a sand storm? Well I have, and I can’t stress enough about the value of a bottle of eye drops in case those pesky particles of sand find their way into your eyes, whether by a storm itself or by a playful game of football or beach soccer.
Don’t forget your normal necessities such as toothpaste and toothbrush, deodorant or antiperspirant, towels, shaving gel and razors, tweezers, body wash, etc.

Hair Care

Remember to pack your shampoo and conditioner, brush and comb, elastic bands and/or barrettes. If you don’t want to heave your family-sized containers of hair products to your vacation destination, you can easily pick up smaller travel-sized products. (Tight on money? You can always collect the small samples from hotels, as they are there for your use and wouldn’t you know—they fit perfectly in a small make-up bag!)
When you spend time in the ocean or playing on the beach, what happens to the top of your head is likely the last thing on your mind. To help prevent sunburn on your scalp, consider packing a hat of some sort, a bandana or a hair scarf.
If dried-out hair due to excessive exposure to sun, chlorine or saltwater is a concern of yours, fret not! When you return home from your time away, try a deep-conditioning treatment or masque (Some use sea kelp to restore moisture).

Clothing

For a flirty appearance, bring a cute sarong or wrap to wear to the beach, or simply pack a pair of comfy shorts if you hope to beat up on the guys in football and Frisbee!
Take two towels: one to lie on and one that is sand-free for when you need to dry off. A beach blanket or beach mat also serve a handy purpose for shore-goers.
An old T-shirt doubles as an escape from the sun’s powerful rays when you just want to relax and enjoy the sounds of the surf. Also, a T-shirt is good to have on hand as it is important to cover exposed skin when the sun has already burned it.
Normal clothes that you should be sure to bring: Shorts and tanks/tees, jeans or other long pants, perhaps a long-sleeve shirt and a hooded sweatshirt, a sundress, pajamas, bathing suit and underclothes. Don’t forget to bring a windbreaker or light jacket for those chilly nights off the coast!
Footwear: Bring sandals or flip-flops, sneakers and shoes to go with at least one nice outfit. (Hint: Try to pack outfits that look nice with the same sandals to reduce the need for extra shoes. As long as you can help it, you should not be toting an entire bag dedicated to shoes alone!)

Revamp your hairstyle: A change of part?

Want to change your hairstyle without drastically chopping your locks? Before you shell out major cash for a fresh style, consider modeling a new do with a simple variation on the way you part your hair. The basics
Though there is not necessarily a good or a bad way to part your hair, several mainstream options are easy to achieve. What matters most is that you are comfortable and confident with the style you choose. If you cannot immediately decide on your preferred style, try the following, or make up your own! A very common method of parting the hair involves the natural part, which runs right down the center of one’s head. If this is your current style and you are ready for a change, try to form a new part a bit to the left or the right of your current part. Parting your hair on your own is a cinch! If you aren’t familiar with doing so but want to try a new look, first comb your hair as if you are going to throw it back into a ponytail. Then take a thin comb and trace a straight line along your scalp where your hair meets your forehead to the back of your head. Separate the hair on either side of the new part and gently brush or comb it down until it lays smoothly. If you find difficulty with this, you may want to introduce a small dab of a non-sticky styling product to your hair to calm it down. Also, if your hair is very accustomed to a certain style, you may have to “train” it to respond to the new part by brushing in the desired direction and adding styling products when necessary. To keep hair healthy and strong, it is important to schedule a trim regularly (or trim it yourself if you are scissors-inclined!) to prevent split ends. If you choose to have your stylist trim your mane for you, she should ask how you part your hair if she does not already know. It is important to “cut with the part” to keep your hair even and natural looking. My stylist, Pat, says, “The best thing to do is to be very vocal—talk about what you want and the things you don’t understand with your stylist.” Parting with pizazz
If you only want to change your look for a night, a chic zigzag part will stand you out from the crowd. Using your comb, simply trace the part back and forth from your forehead to the back of the head. Then separate the sections so that they lay evenly on either side of your head. Though you already have a comb on hand, a handy, inexpensive tool makes the zigzag process a bit easier. The Part Pizazz from Hairagami is a tool with a point on one end and arms that swing open to separate the sections of hair when you are finished. To design the zigzag you merely trace the desired pattern on your head as if using a pen or pencil and a sheet of paper. Whether you are enjoying your new look indefinitely or just for a night, remember not to run your hands through your hair too much as it may disrupt the style. Be bold, be conservative—be YOU—have fun and make a statement. Make sure you are confident in your new style as you sport it in public. Then bask in the glow of attention as those close to you notice something is just a bit different about you. Switching your part can make you feel fresh, energized and sexy. Enjoy it!

Self-renewal from head to toe

Are stressful days leaving you dragging? Invigorate your senses and relax your entire body for instant renewal that will keep you going the whole week through. Renewal of mind, body and soul can be achieved more easily than you think… just set aside some time for yourself and slip away into a carefree moment. Hair and scalp
With extreme temperatures, excessive blow-drying and chemical processing, hair and scalp may suffer damages that are not immediately apparent to the naked eye. After time, dry, peeling scalp, split ends and brittle hair may result. To remedy these undesirable traits, revamp your daily maintenance routine. Change product to a moisture-rich shampoo formula and a deep conditioning treatment. Something like Neutrogena Clean 60-second Hair Repair, St Ives Hair Repair Intensive Conditioner or Dove Advanced Care Repairing Treatment Therapy will generally provide immediate results in the texture of your tresses and the way your scalp feels. While shampooing, gently use your fingernails on your scalp as the suds course through your hair. In a light scratching motion, refresh your scalp and rinse away any dry particles. For a truly invigorating experience, apply a deep conditioning treatment with a tingling effect. Before rinsing, allow product to saturate hair and scalp for two minutes, or as directed.Avoid over-drying hair with a blow dryer. Overdrying causes your hair to get brittle and break. By allowing your hair to dry naturally, strands are kept intact longer, leaving them soft, shiny and healthy-looking. Comb and style when your hair is still a little damp to avoid damaging hair shafts. (Read more about hair care here!) Eyes
For tired, overworked eyes, get as cool as a cucumber by placing a thick, cool slice of the aforementioned cuke (or even grated cucumber) on each eye. Raw potatoes — cut or shredded — are can also help to relieve sore, red eyes. If no appropriate veggies are to be found, substitute a couple of wet but cooled herbal teabags. And for a super-simple eye-soothing solution if there’s nothing else on hand? Try a cold, damp washcloth, wrung out and placed over both eyes. Lie back and relax for a few moments while your eyes absorb the cooling effects. And to refresh your skin First, a facial…
To reinvigorate your skin and your body altogether, choose a gentle exfoliant to restore a healthy glow to your visage. (I like St Ives Apricot Scrub.) Using your selected product, gently buff away any rough spots and dry skin cells in seconds. Remembering to repeat this process regularly will leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and perfect.For further rejuvenation, a facial mud mask applied at least once a week will dry out problem areas on your skin, relax facial muscles and relieve tension lines as the mask hardens in minutes. Allow the mask to dry as you relax while reading a book or magazine, watching part of a television program or writing out your shopping list.Now, for the whole body experience…
Macrobiotic counselor Patrick Riley suggests doing a daily “body rub,” which involves dipping a white washcloth in warm water and vigorously rubbing every square inch of one’s body. He explains that this procedure will leave your skin feeling fresh and renewed, while also freeing the mind. (Note: This is a great exfoliating technique as well.) Additionally, moisturizing lotions for dry elbows, knees and legs will help to keep skin soft and smooth, supple and healthy while avoiding chapping and cracking. Renewal of feet
Pedicures operate as an excellent stress-buster and they work very well as a means of refreshing and reinvigorating the body. (Get pedi tips here!) If an all-out pedicure takes too much time, compromise with some aromatherapy foot lotion and a self-administered foot massage before heading off to bed. Relaxation and rejuvenation will send you straight to dreamland.You, in entirety…
For your entire body, enjoy a sensuous hot bubble bath with suds of your favorite scent or bath oil beads, bath salts, fizzers or other relaxing bathing products. (For relaxation, aromatherapists recommend calming fragrances such as basil, bergamot, cedarwood, chamomile, clary sage, geranium, jasmine, lavender, marjoram, patchouli, petitgrain, rose, rosewood, sandalwood and ylang ylang.) Fill the tub with warm water — not scalding, but not lukewarm — so you can stay in the water for awhile without making your skin red and blotchy. Allow yourself at least 20 minutes to a half hour to enjoy serenity and the soothing suds and waters around you. After a long day in the office, a sporting event or an intense workout, a calming bubble bath will wash your cares away.To enhance the experience:

Burn an aromatherapy candle on your countertop, away from any potential fire hazards.
Immerse yourself in a good book or magazine.
Play soft and tranquil music in the background.
Treat yourself to a plate of healthy snacks — frozen grapes, sweet strawberries, vegetable sticks, edamame, applesauce, pudding or yogurt.
Close your eyes and daydream, but be careful not to fall asleep.
Wrap yourself in a fluffy towel at the conclusion of your bath.

Another body renewing trick makes things about as simple as they get… exercise! Mild exercises such as crunches, sit-ups, push-ups and maybe even an early morning run will help your overall spirit and frame of mind by awakening your muscles and reminding your body how great it feels to stay active. Find some workouts that will work for you right here. By combining all of these steps or concentrating on only a few, your body should be well on its way to a more relaxed and recharged state. By adding some relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation, your stress load should diminish, leaving you with more energy for those things that are most important to you

Spring tresses (or Girls just have a thing about their hair)

Matsumoto Let’s face it — having someone play with our hair is intimate. It feels good. Who could forget Warren Beatty’s portrayal of a free-wheeling hair dresser in the mid-70s sex farce Shampoo? Despite how great it can be when everything at the hair salon goes right, almost all women have an inordinate amount of angst about their hair. Something happens between the “reel” moment when we fall in love with a celebrity’s new hair style and eagerly rip their photo from a magazine and the real moment of truth when we look at ourselves at the end of a three-hour session in the hair salon. Why does the end result often fall short of our giddy anticipation? “Sometimes a style doesn’t work on you. It’s hard to realize when you see something new and you want it,” says Jerome Lourdet, a top stylist at Pierre Michel Salon in New York who has worked on actresses such as Gweneth Paltrow and Jessica Simpson. I can relate. I once told a stylist that I wanted my hair to look like Nicole Kidman’s when she straightened it. Not even bothering to point out the fact that we have different shaped faces and coloring, my stylist shook her head adamantly. “Nicole has a mass of curly hair that looks fabulous when it’s straightened,” she told me, “It takes all day to blow that out and you’ll never get the same body because your hair is fine and flat.” Artur Kirsh, who has styled Celine Dion’s hair and the Victoria Secrets Angels confides, “I tell women with fine and thin hair that they should look at it as having one of the finer things in life. Women should always take into consideration how appealing and beautiful they are because of who they are.” Why is it so hard, even for women with the best self esteem, to remember this at the salon? Here are a few things to keep in mind when dealing with your spring tresses:
Hair is about a feeling
When famed hair colorist Robert Craig went on his first job interview in New York, he found the reception area so intimidating that he turned down the offer. He knew that if he felt that way so would his clients. Robert told me, “I tended to draw clients who didn’t like pretentious large salons and found that an intimate low key setting was what they were looking for. People are looking for a ‘feeling,’ ‘a comfort zone.’ After spending over half a decade going to an exclusive hair salon, I have to agree. I loved my former hair stylist but always felt a bit overwhelmed by the noisy din, erratic customer service and hectic pace of double booked clients. When the cashier snapped her gum, took my money, and never bothered to say thank you for the second appointment in a row, I moved on to a low key hair salon called Krome. Owned by seasoned hair pro Scott David, Krome creates the relaxed feeling of a home. There are no walk-in appointments. Instead clients are buzzed upstairs. Scott answers the phone himself and usually books appointments for his clients when his other stylists aren’t working. The atmosphere is consciously kept free from yelling and stylists work on one client at at time, start to finish. Choosing a salon where you feel comfortable is often an overlooked detail, but it will take stress out of your hair appointments. Trend versus style
Salon owner and stylist Alex Molchadskiy, who has worked on the beautiful locks of Lisa Kudrow and Julianna Margulies, says getting the right hair cut for your face is more important than what the major trends are. It’s easy to notice what celebrities are doing and want to follow suit. As Robert Craig notes, “It looks like celebrities are changing their hair but you never know where the photos are coming from and how much is their hair.” Stylist Artur Kirsh feels hair is not about trend but an extension of the soul. “People are so different, they dress different. Hair should represent whether a person is conservative or wild. It should follow a person.” That said, here’s how the experts weighed in on current trends: Jerome Lourdet feels that the trend now is toward wavy hair, long bangs to the side, and some layers. Scott David says there’s more movement in hair and length is still long, it always has been. More girls with naturally curly hair are diffusing rather than straightening their hair and not blowing it as completely flat. Artur Kirsh believes that bangs are hot along with fuller hair. He likes cutting shorter pieces around the face so that when you pull your hair back you have some pieces that fall into the eyes which is sexy and appealing. Color, color, everywhere — What’s a girl to do?
Robert Craig, named one of the country’s top hair color artists by Allure magazine, has helped more than two million people solve their hair color and hair care problems. Robert says that while the best seller in his signature hair care line is Golden Brown, today almost anything goes. “If the average woman wants to change her color every week she can. Hair color has become as interchangeable as makeup.” Living in Los Angeles, this is only too true. When I asked my stylist Scott about his thoughts on brunette being the new blonde, he laughed, “Not as long as Pamela Anderson’s around — at least in LA. Girls know that they’ll get more attention if they’re blonde. But,” he diplomatically added, “Brunettes are my favorite. And they stand out more since there aren’t that many.” This spring there’s a new flurry of celebs going blonde. Suddenly Nicole Richey has emerged as a blonde bombshell, Lindsay Lohan has new golden locks (for a movie role), and Jessica Alba(see top photo) cut her hair just below her chin and went a dark honey blonde. I spotted Jessica while lunching at a West Hollywood eatery this week and the first thing that caught my attention was her flawless beautiful skin. In Jessica’s case, lighter hair accentuates one of her best features. On the flip side, the following day Eva Longoria (second top photo) was sitting in a Beverly Hills cafe and I couldn’t help but notice (along with everyone else in the place) her shiny dark sexy hair. In the end, famous or not, all that really matters is that your hair color complements your skin color and your overall look and style. The secret to looking great fast
Upkeep, upkeep, upkeep. According to Artur Kirsh, “To have beautiful hair you need to see your hairdresser, and not just for hair cuts. You don’t put makeup on just once a month, you should treat hair the same.” Robert Craig agrees that keeping your hair in shape is the best way for working women and moms pressed for time to keep a look that’s easy and looks great. Artur offers this quick tip: Curly and wavy hair is back, so you can run a light gel, spray, or pomade through your hair out of the shower, not even comb it, just scrunch and let air dry. He also suggests using big velcro rollers and setting your hair while you do your makeup. When you’re done, your hair will have bend and body. Having the right products will also help make your spring locks shine. Here are a few of the best: Lamas Beauty Botanicals All Natural Hair Care
Beauty and hair care veteran Peter Lamas’ line of natural hair care products is free from harsh chemicals and artificial ingredients and has a following that includes Kate Winslet, Sharon Stone, and Goldie Hawn. Chose from the Soy Hydrating Shampoo for chemically treated, dry, damaged hair, which prevents split ends and color-fading; Rice Protein Volumizing Shampoo for fine and limp hair (see the before and after photo); Wheatgrass Deep Cleansing Shampoo for normal to oily hair; and the Chinese Herb Stimulating Shampoo which helps with premature hair loss. There are complementary conditioners to go along with the shampoos and other hair care products all made without animal ingredients or animal testing. Depending on ingredients, shampoos range from $10.50 to $19. For additional savings, you can purchase the Lamas Botanicals Hair Kits which contain a shampoo, conditioner and the Radiant-C Face & Body Wash all for $44.50 at www.peterlamas.com. Color by Robert Craig
Available in 21 intermixable luxurious shades plus a special Clear color to add shine or fine-tune the other colors, this gentle permanent hair color is truly one of the best hair color systems on the market. Developed without a trace of harmful peroxide, ammonia, alcohol, or perfume, hair is not damaged or dried out. If you want to stay within your own color range or go darker, this is one of the ideal choices to cover grays. If you chose a shade a little or a lot lighter than your natural hair color, the grays turn into highlights. There are no brassy results because there is no ammonia or peroxide to bleach the hair. This line is the first mixable line available to consumers which means that the powder form allows users to fine tune the color they want. Whatever color is not mixed will keep for months, unlike liquid colors. Color by Robert Craig retails for $9.99 and is sold at www.robertcraig.com or by calling the toll free number, (800) 917-2566. Straight & Soft Sleek Styling Cream by Dove
When using a flat iron or any heated styling tool, it’s always important to apply product beforehand to protect hair from the heat. The unique, weightless moisturizers found in Dove Styling Cream provide a great barrier to help prevent hair damage from heat styling. Dove recently launched 12 new styling products because they felt “one-size-fits-all” hair is not for everyone. With five hairsprays, two mousses, two gels, and three creams to chose from, there’s a product that will fit your needs whether you have curly, wavy, straight, or fine hair. Dove products are available nationwide. You can read more about haircare, styling, and Dove’s campaign to make women feel more beautiful by challenging stereotypical views of beauty at www.dove.com. Yuko Hair Ceramic Flat Iron
Considered by many to be the best flat iron on the market, the fabulous Yuko flat iron comes in a cute palm-sized version small enough to fit into your purse for $95. The regular size is $85. Both are available at www.yukosystem.com. Keep in mind when making spring hair choices: it’s not about whether your hair is blonde or brunette, curly or straight, long or short. Remember the Mary Jo motto: if you don’t feel good about yourself, the most beautiful hair in the world won’t make you look good. The quickest way to feel good is to be grateful and to do things for others. (And you thought these were beauty tips). The ultimate spring look is radiating happiness…

Summer hair care tips

What’s the best way to keep your hair healthy and in control during the sunny summer months? Hair expert Karen Shelton offers her tips. The reality of summer sun

Summer may bring glorious visions of natural highlights and long windblown hair. The reality is that summer sun and humidity can damage your hair’s cuticle and result in dry, drab, split, brittle or frizzy hair and ends. Sunlight can be just as damaging as a hot blow dryer. Naturally curly hair is often a major victim to summer fizzies. Karen’s tips Prevent static electricity in your hair when washing by applying a conditioner that adds moisture and shine. Alternatively, apply a “leave-in” conditioner after towel drying hair. Products that advertise that they “replenish” are designed to add moisture. The voluminizing and luminizing products are designed to add body and shine, but may not add moisture. Be sure to read all ingredients on the hair product. If you normally blow dry and use hot curling tools every day, try and give your hair a break during the summer months. Consider letting your hair air dry or take time out from curling. Hair braided when wet will air dry into beautiful waves. On weekends or at night, dab a conditioner like Aveda’s Deep Condition or Cherry Almond Bark on the ends and frizziest parts of your hair. Pin it up or wrap it in plastic and sleep on it. Using this method will restore absent moisture that adds to the frizzies. It will also prevent heavy conditioners from weighing down your hair, since the conditioner will be localized only on the trouble spots. If you unexpectedly find yourself at the beach without a hat or SPF for you hair, use sunscreen made for your skin. When you get home, be sure and use a deep-cleansing shampoo like Aveda’s Hair Detoxer. It may not be the best solution in the world, but it could very likely save your hair from sun damage. If you are wedded to your blow dryer, use a leave-in conditioner designed to protect your hair when blow drying. When the summer heat is hottest, contain potential frizzies by wearing your hair up in a knot, bun or braids. Be careful using shine products to control frizzies. They often contain silicone and can coat your hair after just a few times. This will make only make the problems worse in the long run. Be religious about your trims. Since summer heat can be so pump up the frizzies, make sure you have the ends trimmed every 6-8 weeks during the summer months. When your ends are fizzy, it’s a sure sign that they are either damaged, split, or both. Wear a hat at the beach, in your convertible or out in the hot sun. Hair can get sunburned just like the scalp. The only way to severly burnt hair is by trimming. Prevention is the safest plan. Frizzy hair is ofter the result of too much sun time. Hanging out in the sun without protection for your hair and scalp is the worst thing you can do. Use leave-in hair products with SPF protection when you know you will be at the beach if you are unwilling to wear a hat or a coverup. Hair needs to be treated more gently during the summer. Consider switching to a more gentle shampoo. Aveda’s Shampure is their most gentle shampoo. For summer months, be careful to use hair products that are as all-natural as possible. Avoid any products that contain alcohol or formaldehyde since they can be excessively drying to the hiar. Consider washing your hair less often during the summer months to allow your hair to absorb more moisture.

Summer haircare: Prevent French-fried follicles

A season of exposure to sun, salt water and chlorine residues — not to mention a few extra chemical “sun” streaks for style — can wreak havoc on hair. By the end of the summer, hair can become so dehydrated it looks and feels nearly fried. Beverly Hills stylist Barry Reitman offers suggestions to restore beautiful, healthy hair during and after the brutal summer months. It’s not possible to emphasize this enough: Condition, condition, condition! Before a day at the beach or pool, dampen hair with tap water. Comb through a thick hair mask throughout the strands, then sweep back into a loose bun. The heat of the sun will help the mask penetrate your hair, making it silky and soft by the end of the day. Use a rich moisturizer like J. Beverly’s Hill Masque Conditioner, it restores moisture, replenishes strength and detangles hair. Give your blow dryer the summer off. Instead, air dry hair whenever possible. Even better, ask your stylist to update your cut so it looks best when not blown out. Redken has a fabulous product called UV Rescue-Daily. It is a protective moisturizer for the hair and contains SPF 12 sunscreen. Work through damp hair massaging liberally into the scalp. Can be used after shampooing. Summer is a big time for ponytails. Never put your hair in a tight pony when it is wet. As it dries the ponytail holder will prevent your hair from naturally shrinking causing the hair to break. Additionally, choose safe hair accessories. Pick ones that won’t tear or break hair. Holders without metal closures, barrettes with smooth edges and clasps. Use a leave-in hair moisturizer throughout the day. The bonus: These products contain sunscreen, which helps protect color-treated hair from the sun — which can turn color brassy. Phillip B. Lovin Leave-in Conditioner has soy and wheat proteins that protect the hair from damaging and drying effects of the summer sun. Apply to towel dry hair and style as usual. For a smooth wave, if you have curly hair blow dry it on a cool setting to seal the cuticle and set the curl. Or apply a light gel to damp hair and twist into a loose bun. Let it dry naturally for a tousled look. A good gel is J Beverly Hills -Gel Me. Rinse away salt and chlorine. If left on the hair, salt and chlorine can make it dry and brittle. After swimming, remove chemicals with tap water. The end of any season is always a great time for a trim. Not only do you get rid of “older” dry ends and split ends, you’ll but the shape back in your cut. For a consultation or appointment call Juan Juan Center: 310-246-0808. Juan Juan Center is located at 9675 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills.

Hair Care

September 22, 2006 at 1:22 am | In Taking care of you | 1 Comment

Great hair in less than five minutesYou’ve gotten up late, so there’s no time to start from scratch with the hair regime? Let me tell you a quick and easy way to pull your look together using just a hairbrush and a few bobby pins. For a modern take on a classic Brigitte Bardot look, back brush the crown area of your hair (most likely the area suffering most from bedhead!). Then lightly skim over this area with the bristles of your brush, making sure to keep the little pouf in the crown, but smoothing over any frizz. Take the hair from the left side as a strand, and pull it back to just below the pouf in the crown, then pin it with a bobby pin. Do the same thing on the other side. For bangs or any remaining pieces around the face, smooth or curl with an iron and let them be a wispy face frame. Hit it with a shot of hairspray, and you now look salon styled. And you did it in less than 5 minutes — congratulationsHair Style 101: Curling iron vs. hot rollersBefore digging out the spongy pink curlers or running to your stylist for a hasty perm, check out these effective alternatives for an evening of uncustomary curls!

Curling Iron

Inexpensive, relatively user-friendly and quick for minor touch-ups, this device can give you a glam look with a few minutes’ investment. If you’re donning only a partial head of curly locks, a curling iron could be just the tool you need for an immediate response to your need of a few well-placed curls. Glamorize your up-do with a curling iron by emphasizing your style with a few loose spiral curls around your face or one or two seductively sweeping along the back of your neck. Creating these curls can be a quick and easy process, but don’t forget to spritz them with a little hairspray, or else they may not last the entire evening! Another common use for a curling iron is tending to your hair’s ends. Tuck them under or flip them out a bit wildly, but you won’t get the same results with a set of hot rollers! A curling iron is versatile enough to curl precisely the strands that you want curled, in whichever manner you wish to achieve. Even if you wish to curl more than a few small sections of hair, a curling iron is capable of curling your entire head as well. Time Involved: Curling iron use may take anywhere from 5 minutes or less to 45 minutes or more, depending on style’s involvement.

Hot Rollers

Just a touch more expensive than the curling iron, hot rollers can achieve a full head of flawless curls, typically in under an hour. Hot rollers generally have a small amount of wax inside that is heated when the set is plugged into an electrical outlet. When the curlers are ready for use, the color may change color so that you know to begin applying them. Forget about fighting with the curling iron and trying to decide which way you want the curl to spiral. Instead, enjoy the remarkably easy process with hot rollers—once you have fastened the curlers in your hair, your hair will all curl simultaneously! It is still a good idea to use some styling products such as a non-sticky hairspray or gel to retain the shape of the curls. (Curls formed by hot rollers tend to last considerably longer for me than those I create with a curling iron, as my hair is typically resistant to curling in general.) Tip for Hot Rollers: Try to wash your hair the night before you want to use the hot rollers. Sometimes very clean, sleek hair tends to resist curling. Time Involved: Hot Rollers may take about 10 minutes to warm up and anywhere from 10-20 minutes to apply, and about 15 minutes to set. (Color of curler will revert back to original color to indicate that the curl has set.) Add additional time as necessary for styling your locks if you intend to use barrettes, bobby pins or other adornments and styling products. Curling Iron Versus Hot Rollers:

Both beauty appliances require time to heat up, but hot rollers may require a few extra minutes.
Hot rollers are very easy to use when styling the whole head or a section, but don’t count on them to curl your ends out or under. Leave that to the curling iron!
Color of hot rollers indicates when they are ready to use and when your curls have set.
Curling iron gives great flexibility for choosing between loose spirals and tight ringlets, but you can always brush out your curls formed by hot rollers to achieve the style you desire.
Curling irons are much easier to transport when traveling and staying in a hotel or other location away from home.
Hot rollers save more time if going for a full head of curls. Success rate for curls enduring the entire evening may also be better.
Both devices are useful in and of themselves—the best advice for you is to try them both and see which you like the best!

Hairstyles for round face shapes: The best cuts and styles for womenMany women are gifted with round faces. If you’re one of them, what are the best hairstyles for you? Hair expert Karen Shelton has some tips. Is your face really round? Before we even discuss some great styles for round face shapes, we should discuss the best way to determine what shape your face is. While there are lots of suggestions on how to figure out your shape, from outlining your face shape on a mirror with lipstick to draping it with a towel and asking others to help you guess the shape, there is actually a scientific way to determine your face shape once and for all.To find out the shape of your face measure it with a tape measure or ruler. You will take the following measurements. 1. Measure your face across the top of your cheekbones. Write down the measurement on a piece of paper.2. Measure across your jaw line from the widest point to the widest point. Write down the measurement.3. Measure across your forehead at the widest point. Generally the widest point will be somewhere about halfway between your eyebrows and your hairline. Write down the measurement.4. Measure from the tip of your headline to the bottom of your chin. Round Face Dimensions
If you have a round face, your face will be as wide as it is long. This may vary a little where your face is not quite as wide as it is long, but within 1/4 to 1/2 inches. If you have a round face you will have fullness at and below your cheekbones. People with round faces also tend to have wide hairlines and their necks often seem short. If you measure your face and it does not fit the round shape according to the prescribed measurements, you may have a different face shape. Listed below are the most common shapes besides round. It is possible that your face may not fit exactly into any one category and may be a combination of shapes. Most people will fit into one of the major categories which include: Oval Face – Length equal to one and a half times width. Long – Longer than it is wide. Heart – Narrow at jaw line, wide at forehead and cheekbones. Square – Forehead, jaw line and cheekbones are almost equal in width. Diamond – Wide cheeks, narrow forehead and jaw line. Hairstyles for round faces
There really is no “one perfect hairstyle” for a round shaped face. Many things factor into the total equation. The length of your hair, the texture, your age and lifestyle requirements all play a part in the best style. There are good general guidelines that you can follow but the best solution is to find a style that works best for you and all your beauty needs. If your face is definitely round according to the above criteria, the best hairstyles generally include: 1. Layered bangs rather than straight or heavy bangs. 2. Short styles which give height. 3. Styles that add length. 4. Styles that keep the sides of your hair short or close to the face. 5. Curls around the crown, but never near the cheeks, to create height. Keep the sides of your hair short with a curly style. 6. Longer to very long styles with bangs and a graduated shag or layers so that the face and the neck are given a slenderizing shape. Making the most of what you have
If you have a double chin keep the hair around your face above chin level to draw the eyes upwards. The back may be grown a little longer — a bob would be ideal. If you have a short neck, a short cropped style will make a short neck appear longer. Long hair worn up will give the same effect. Well placed highlighting will also slenderize the face. Highlights that are woven around the face in an “angel halo” effect will also slenderize an overly round face. Don’t be afraid to wear your hair any length that you like. Long hair can be worn just as easily as short or medium length hair as long as you wear your hair “forward” onto your face to create a more “oval” appearance. While you select your style be sure to take into consideration the texture or your hair. If your hair is thick and coarse you would do well with a style that benefits from the “Bed Head” look around the crown. If you have curly hair, you can use the curls by letting them add height at the crown. You can also wear your curly hair longer, with the bulk of your hair pulled back behind your ears, or with just a very few ringlets along your face to minimize the fullness. Enjoy your style
One thing to keep in mind is to find a style that you enjoy. There is no point is selecting “the perfect style” if it is impossible to maintain or you don’t enjoy wearing. The Practice star Camryn Manheim is a classic example of letting her hair be the way she wants it to be and not following the strict rules for a round face. Another celebrity who throws the rules to the wind is Baby Spice of the now-defunct Spice Girls. Her very round face is often coiffed in styles that would not normally be considered the “perfect style” for her face shape. One great way to find the best style for your face shape is to buy fashion, beauty and hair magazines and look through them for examples of hairstyles that you like and think would be flattering to your face shape and hair texture. Make a special hairstyle scrapbook of the styles you like best and then take the entire book to your stylist and ask them to advise you on some styles. One trend that is definitely emerging in the hair and beauty industry is individuality. If you see a style that you love and it doesn’t fit the “rules,” wear it anyhow, or modify the style slightly so that it works well for your face. The bottom line is to have fun with your hair. If you are happy with your look — whether it fits the rules or not — you will look better because you will be pleased with yourself.Help with hair color

Are you considering coloring your hair for the first time? Or maybe you’ve tried to color your hair but can’t get just the right shade. Here are some tips from hair expert Karen Shelton, on coloring your hair and getting it right. Getting the color right
Question: Can you advise me how to ask my colorist for the color that I want? When I ask for a golden blonde she always seems to give me more of a honey blonde shade that I don’t think looks as good as a golden blonde would. Should I try another colorist or is there hope? – Lorna Dear Lorna, I would recommend that you ask the colorist to show you her “color portfolio” before you have your next color application done. Most colorists will have a book that has many examples of different colors, highlights and different kinds of coloring effects (e.g., chunking, lowlights, highlights etc). The color portfolio will give you and your colorist a good visual aid to work from. What you define as golden blonde may not match what your colorist considers golden blonde. If you can point to a color in a book that your colorist can see, you have a better chance of getting the color you really want. If your colorist does not have a color portfolio, all is not lost. Before your color appointment spend some time looking at fashion magazines and cut out photos of hair with the color you desire. Take the color photographs with you for your next color appointment and show the colorist the exact shade you want. There could be other reasons why your colorist is giving you a different color than what you want. Your colorist may think that a golden blonde would not work as well with your skin tone or eyes. If you can show her a photograph with the exact color you want she may tell you that she does not recommend that color and give her reasons. At that point you can discuss other options with her. Remember, a picture is woth a thousand words! Is do-it-yourself a good idea?
Question: I have very dark brunette hair and I want to achieve a very light blonde shade similar to Heather Locklear’s shade. Can you please suggest the best products I could use to get the same color on my hair. I have never colored my hair before and am nervous about making a mistake. I want to do the color myself because I am concerned about the cost of going to a salon or a colorist. Any tips you can provide would help so much. Thanks. – Joan Dear Joan, In general, it is always best to go to a professional any time you want to color your hair two shades lighter or darker than your current color. I also feel that when someone has never had their hair colored before it is very important to see a color expert the first time. Coloring hair is a special artform that requires a certain expertise. Only an expert can truly understand what is the appropriate hair color for your hair type and skin tone. There are a lot of different factors that need to considered. These factors include the current condition of your hair, how porous it is and your lifestyle requirements. If money is a concern, which I can understand, I would like to suggest that you consider going to a color expert the very first time, explain your limited budget and ask the colorist to suggest a low maintenance color or a compatible hair color product that you can use at home for touchups. If the colorist understands your budgetary constraints they can help you select a product that will not require as much maintenance as some other color products. You may be able to have the colorist recommend a temporary color that will “extend” the life of your color that you can use at home so that you would not have to go back as often for touchups. To go as light blonde as you want to go, you will require a two step process to first lift the dark color and then add the blonde color. This two step process would definitely require a lot of maintenance since you would have dark root growth. A lower maintenance option would be to do just some streaks or simple highlights which would not require nearly as much upkeep. Unfortunately any time you undertake any major chemical process on your hair it will require a certain level of time and effort to maintain it. Good luck!
How to blow dry your hair smooth and shinyWant that silky, touchable hair that Pantene Pro V products claim their shampoo will give you? Look no further—you can have that flawless look by spending only a few extra minutes blow-drying your hair! Ditch the designer hair products and follow these simple instructions to give your hair the same beautiful look and soft feeling. Materials

Towel
Hairdryer
Brush / Comb
Claw-Clip or barrette
Your usual styling products or a small amount of hair gel for touch-ups (these may not be necessary after you try this tip)

Step 1: Twist hair up into a towel in order to remove excess water. How long you keep it wrapped in the towel is up to you—my hair is long, so time permitting, I keep it like that for about 15 minutes. Step 2: Comb out any tangles and part hair as you wish. Step 3: Gather hair and twist except for a thin layer at the base of your head. Pin hair on top of your head with the clip or barrette. Step 4: Begin drying the loose hair. (You can use a lower heat setting if you do not have a time restriction.) When hair is completely dry, turn off hairdryer and brush or comb hair. Step 5: Remove clip and take another section of hair to be dried. Re-twist your hair and replace pin. Step 6: Repeat steps 3 through 5 as necessary. For thicker hair, you may need to separate hair into sections several times. My hair is of a medium thickness but long, so I separate it into 3 sections. Step 7: Once hair is completely dry, brush and style as you wish, or leave it down, as it should be less dried-out and more manageable. If your hair is not completely frizz-free and cooperative, rub a small amount of gel in your hands (a nickel- or quarter-size dab) and gently smooth over your hair, paying close attention to the ends. Drying and styling time will vary based on your hair’s thickness and length. Though I do not always have enough time to use this drying technique, it works wonders for my hair for those special occasions! Approximate time required: 10-20 minutes, depending on thickness and length of hair.How to deal with lice

There is probably nothing more feared at the beginning of the school year than the head louse. This tiny, sesame-seed sized insect has been known to put school nurses, administrators, parents and boards of health into a state of panic. Why all the fuss and bother? Do head lice truly represent some kind of health crisis? Do they carry disease? And how can we be rid of them? What about lice?
Much of the loathing associated with head lice is probably misdirected from its cousin, the body louse. Body lice are very different from head lice and are signs of uncleanliness and unhealthy living conditions. They are known carriers and transmitters of diseases, notably typhus and trench fever. Body lice are still a scourge in America, principally among the homeless and those living in very substandard housing. The bad news about head lice is that they are much more prevalent than body lice, affecting six to 12 million Americans each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The good news is that head lice have never been shown to transmit any diseases. Nor are head lice an indication of poverty or substandard living conditions; “cleanliness has absolutely nothing to do with lousiness,” according to Richard J. Pollack, PhD, Harvard School of Public Health. What about other head lice myths?
Head lice can fly.
No. The head louse is a six-legged insect that has no wings. Nor is it considered an especially good jumper. Lice spread mostly from one person to another after they spend time close together, such as in head-to-head conversation or sharing a bed. Girls are afflicted by head lice more often than boys, presumably because they tend to play in closer proximity to each other than boys. Head lice breed in the furniture or in the carpet. No. Head lice depend on their human host for their food, warmth and shelter. While they can leave one human for a couch and then crawl onto another human’s scalp, they cannot live more than 24-48 hours off the human scalp. Head lice prefer long hair.
They love any scalp hair that is long enough to grab onto and affix their eggs. They always deposit their eggs on the hair shafts within about 1/2-inch of the scalp. In fact long, thick hair may make it more difficult to spread lice because it would be more difficult for the lice to get from the scalp to the surface of a dense head of hair. As mentioned above, girls tend to get lice more frequently because they spend more time in head-to-head play, and not because of the length of their hair. Head lice carry disease.
Just plain no. How is it diagnosed?
An itchy scalp is the cardinal symptom of head lice. That itching may then cause us to look more carefully at the scalp where we see white things about 2 inches from the scalp, and we then have our diagnosis, Right? WRONG! If we find white casings (or nits) on the hair shafts, it is evidence of prior — not necessarily current — infection. Be careful though — dandruff and other scalp debris (such as unrinsed conditioner, etc) — can appear as whitish dots on the hair. The lice casings are stuck tightly onto the individual hair shafts, and are not easily removed. Also, as mentioned above, the nits to worry about are the ones closest to the scalp; any further than a 1/2 inch from the scalp may be left over from a prior event. The only way a true diagnosis of head lice infestation can be made is by seeing a living louse. The best way to do that is wash, condition (it makes the hair shafts slipperier) and then towel-dry the hair so it is damp, but not dripping. You will need a lice comb (metal or plastic with very closely spaced teeth — 0.2-0.3 mm). Find a well-lit space. Comb the hair first thoroughly with a regular comb to remove tangles, etc. Then with the lice comb, start at the scalp and work to the end of all the hair, working in sections to make sure you get every hair. After each pass, examine the comb or wipe it on a white paper towel. If head lice are present, you should be able to trap one with the comb using this technique. Interestingly enough, those who do have an infestation probably only have about a dozen insects in their hair at any one time. Remember, lice do not have wings, so if you come up with a winged insect, you probably want to get rid of it, but it isn’t a louse. If you don’t find a louse, but you do find eggs or nits close to the scalp, you should repeat the process in a day or two. The experts recommend that no one be treated if no live lice are found. How to treat
Now that we’ve got a diagnosis, how can we make them go away? Surprisingly enough, the best treatments are the ones that are also the most readily available — the Over The Counter (OTC) products. These products are known as pyrethroid pediculicides because they are derived from natural insecticidal compounds extracted from the head of the chrysanthemum flower. Piperonyl butoxide, another insecticide may be added in as its presence improves the activity of the pyrethrins. Brand names include RID, A-200, R & C, Clear, Tegrin-LT and Pronto among others, and they are available as mousse, gels, liquid, and shampoos. NIX contains 1 percent permethrin which is a synthetic pyrethroid formulated into a creme rinse. For very resistant cases, there are also prescription remedies, notably malathion 0.5 percent lotion (Ovide) and the most toxic of the remedies, lindane 1 percent (Kwell and other brands). But everybody says those OTC products don’t work all that well, Right? So why not save time and money and go right to the prescriptions? The fact is, if the OTC preparations are used correctly, they are very effective and safe. If we’ve got to do this treatment, let’s give ourselves the best chance of success by taking time to do it right the first time. · Read the label completely and follow the directions carefully. · Choose a well-ventilated, well-lit room. · You may wish to use towels to protect clothing. · Avoid contact with the eyes, and avoid rubbing your eyes before you’ve rinsed your hands thoroughly. · Most of the products are applied to dry hair; Permethrin (NIX) is applied to damp but not wet hair (towel-dry the hair thoroughly; if the hair is too wet, the product will become too dilute). · Apply a few drops of the medicine directly onto the scalp and work it in. Do this section by section, and be sure the scalp and roots are saturated. Remember that the active eggs and nits are the ones closest to the scalp. If the hair is very long, concentrate on the 5 to 6 inches of hair nearest the scalp. · Don’t try to save money by scrimping on the amount you use; if the hair is very thick and curly, you may need to use more than one bottle. You really don’t want to have to do this more times than necessary. · Once the scalp and roots are taken care of, work the product down to the ends of the hair. · Do not start timing the treatment until the entire head has been treated. Leave it on for as long as the directions say. · Remove as per the directions. For pediculicide shampoos, add just enough water to make lather, and then rinse. If a gel or mousse and you need to shampoo it out, do not use a conditioning shampoo, as this might cause the medicine not to adhere to the hair shaft. · Malathion (Ovide), a prescription treatment, must be allowed to dry on the hair, but it is flammable, so do not use a hair dryer. · Check the scalp eight to 12 hours after treatment, and comb out the dead lice and debris. Some have found it easier to comb the nits out if vegetable oil or vinegar have been applied to the hair after removal of the treatment. Commercial preparations to loosen nits are also available. Some formulations will require a second applications seven to 10 days later to get some lice that may have been protected by their egg cases. Reapply only as directed on the package label. · Using pesticides for longer than recommended or more frequently than recommended will not make them work more effectively, but may cause them to irritate the skin more. Remember all of the above medicines are for external use only, and are not to be put in the mouth! Keep these and all medicines out of the reach of children. What about “home remedies?”
An Egyptian medical manuscript, believed to date back to 1500 BC, prescribed date flour and water as a cure for lice. In the 3,500 years since then, there have probably been a like number of remedies. Some seem to help, some are yet to be proven, and some are dangerous. A British study found that combing (as described under “How to Diagnose” above) every three or four days for two weeks cured approximately 38 percent of children. Shaving the head is a simple, but drastic, cure but not advised if the child is unwilling; cutting the hair shorter will make diagnosing and treating easier but will not get rid of an active case. In the “As-yet-unproven” category we find the applecation of dense substances such as mineral oil, petroleum jelly, margarine or mayonnaise in an effort to smother the lice. In addition to then taking days to rinse out of the hair, these substances would not kill the eggs and would need to be repeated in seven to 10 days. Also unproven is the use of oral antibiotics to kill some of the body’s intrinsic bacteria that produce nutrients that might help the lice. From the “Potentially dangerous” file are many of the Internet-available remedies containing ingredients advertised, but medically unproven, to be natural insecticides. Some products have been shown to be irritating to the scalp and, as with all medicines, many are dangerous if ingested. Unfortunately, just because an ingredient is “natural” or found in nature doesn’t make it safe; arsenic and hemlock are “all natural.” Check with your healthcare provider for his or her recommendations for alternative remedies. And from the “Definitely dangerous and foolish” category comes the application of any dangerous substances such as kerosene, gasoline, bleach, acetone, turpentine or motor oil. Scouring the house
If there’s any good news in all of this, it’s that you don’t have to strip the walls down to plaster to clean up after the treatment. Remember, the louse can live for only one to two days separated from a human host. A prudent clean-up effort might include: · Bed linens, towels, pajamas and the clothes worn for the two days before treatment should be washed in hot water and dried on high heat. It would be best to do this bit of cleaning on the morning after the treatment was given, in order to clean up the dead insects that might have fallen off during the night. · Dry clean items from the above list that can’t be washed. · Soak brushes and combs in dish detergent and hot water for an hour, and then rinse. Temperatures greater than 129F (53.5C) for five minutes are lethal to lice and eggs. They could also be soaked in rubbing alcohol. · Vacuum the floors, furniture and any car seats. · For younger children with special stuffed animals, these also need to be washed. Alternatively, if they cannot be washed, they can be sealed in a plastic bag for 10 days. What about others in the house?
Once there is one case of head lice in the home, all the other residents should be carefully checked. If lice are found on more than one family member, all the affected people should be treated at the same time to avoid the chance of reinfection (and to make for only one house-cleaning!). What is a “No Nit Policy” and is it worthwhile?
A “No Nit Policy” states that a child may not return to school until the hair is free of lice and their egg casings (nits). At one time it was considered a good safety precaution to keep lice from spreading in the schools. But, as we have discussed above, a nit is a sign that there were head lice in the past, not that there are any now. Still, many school systems and school nurses continue to insist on a “clean as a whistle” scalp before the child can return to school. A study by the CDC found that only 18 percent of children with nits in their hair developed lice within the next two weeks. Neither the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) nor the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) believes in the “no nit” policy. The AAP reports that “Children identified as having…head lice should be excluded from school only until treatment has been started. School contacts generally should not be treated prophylactically.” And the NASN concludes that, “Nit-free policies disrupt the education process and should not be viewed as an essential strategy in the management of head lice.” How to handle losing your hair: Hair loss in womenEach year, women spend countless hours and dollars on their hair. It can play a major role in a woman’s self-confidence and self-esteem, making female pattern hair loss a potentially debilitating condition, socially and emotionally. But it doesn’t have to be. Dermatologist Valerie D Callender, MD, clinical assistant professor of dermatology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, says female pattern hair loss, a condition that affects approximately 30 million women in the US, can occur in women as early as age 20 and it affects all races and ethnicities. This type of hair loss usually comes from a genetic predisposition inherited from either side of the family tree. “By age 40, visible symptoms of female pattern hair loss are present in 40 percent of women,” says Dr Callender. “Since society has placed a great deal of social and cultural importance on hair and hairstyles, hair loss in women can be devastating.” Psychosocial effects
Recent research suggests that the psychosocial effects of hair loss are greater in women than in men. Women with hair loss report a higher incidence of feeling introverted, anxious and less attractive, which can interfere with their daily lives. “Quality of life studies have suggested that there is an increased prevalence of personality disorders in women experiencing this type of hair loss compared to the general population,” says Dr Callender, illustrating one more reason patients need correct diagnosis and treatment. Determining female pattern hair loss
“A receding hairline or balding spot usually characterizes hair loss in men, but female pattern hair loss rarely displays either of these symptoms,” explains Dr Callender. “Instead, women see an overall thinning of their hair.” They may notice their center part gradually getting wider, a decrease in ponytail diameter or more hair than usual in the shower drain, on the pillow or in a hairbrush. “Identification of the cause of hair loss is the key to determining the best treatment,” says Dr Callender. To diagnose hair loss, dermatologists will perform a thorough history, physical exam, laboratory evaluation and in some cases, a scalp biopsy. This relatively simple procedure usually takes place in the office under local anesthesia and involves removing a small piece of scalp for microscopic examination, which can be extremely helpful in diagnosing the type of hair loss. Treatment options
Often a dermatologist’s first step is to use topical minoxidil, which is available without a prescription, to treat female pattern hair loss. It is applied to the scalp twice a day and must be used for at least four months before the patient will see results. “Minoxidil actually works to help reverse the shrinking process seen in these hair follicles and stimulates new hair growth,” says Dr Callender. “It has been proven to re-grow hair in approximately 60 percent of women with female pattern hair loss.” Minoxidil is the only hair regrowth treatment approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use by women. Another option is hair transplantation, a good choice for women experiencing minimal to moderate hair loss. Though most commonly performed in men, this procedure is becoming increasingly popular with women. This permanent form of hair replacement involves removing healthy hair follicles from one area of the scalp and transplanting them to the areas of hair loss. “There are several factors that are considered in deciding whether or not a female patient is a good candidate for hair transplantation,” says Dr Callender. “The most important is that the patient has healthy hair in another location that can be transplanted.” While the replacement technique is the same for men and women, there are some additional challenges with women. Transplant locations are usually chosen based on the density and texture of the hair in various areas, which must be carefully considered, especially in women. “Because women typically have many different hairstyles to choose from, hairstyling must be taken into consideration when choosing the appropriate place to remove the hair,” says Dr Callender. Another option for women experiencing minimal hair loss is to employ the use of wigs and/or hair weaves. But Dr Callender stresses that, “Women experiencing hair loss should see their dermatologist for early diagnosis and proper treatment. By addressing the conditions early, many of the long-term social and emotional effects of female pattern hair loss can be avoided.”How to look picture perfect in every photoIt takes only seconds to take a picture but the memories captured in it last a life time. If you find yourself running and hiding every time someone pulls out a camera because you don’t like how you look in photos. Now is the time to stop running and implement the following simple tips so you can start creating some beautiful memories. Whether it’s a special occasion and big event or something has simple has a family reunion or vacation you will look picture perfect in every photo your in. · Unless you’re the bride, avoid wearing all white. It will make you look large and distract from your face. · Don’t wear large bold prints or patterns. · Select an outfit that flatters your figure. Be sure that the outfit you chose has a neckline that’s very flattering to you. · Wear only colors that look good on you. · Wear earnings and a necklace. Even a simple pendent and a plain pair of earrings will add a degree of style to your outfit that will enhance your appearance. · Always make sure your hair is clean. · Select hairstyles that are flattering to you. · Use styling products that will hold your style, but won’t make your hair appear stiff and unnatural. · Select a hair color that enhances your complexion. · Avoid extreme hairstyles. You don’t want hair bigger then your head, nor do you want to completely pull your hair back from your face, because this could make you look older — and can even make your head look to small for your body. · Use only long-wearing, smudge-proof, waterproof cosmetics. · Use face powder to set makeup and reduce shine. · Use a foundation with a matte finish. · Do not use any cosmetics with a shimmer or shiny texture. · Use clear light to medium color eye shadow. · Use a lip balm or lip cream before applying your lipstick. · Use a medium shade, cream formula lipstick. · Brighten your smiles with a teeth whitener. Be sure to discuss with your dentist what product is best for you.

· Smile with your eyes and your mouth (just as the photo is being taken, think of someone you love or think of something humorous.)

Goodbye dry, hello shiny summer hair

September 22, 2006 at 1:13 am | In Taking care of you | Leave a Comment

Just as the weather changes from winter to spring, so does your hair. Yuki Sharoni of Yuki Sharoni: Beauty & Lifestyle recommends a series of treatments to best prepare your hair for the dramatic changes in temperature and humidity.

To prepare hair for the changing seasons and get winter-worn hair soft and manageable again, Yuki Sharoni recommends a conditioning treatment for the hair and scalp. His favorites are his own nettle treatment followed by a Kerastase deep conditioning treatment. Nourishing treatments will condition the hair without weighing it down as well as increase manageability, strength and shine.

“Painting the hair in sections a few shades lighter than the natural color brightens dark, dull winter hair,” says Sharoni. “Salon highlights initiate the process and the increased sun will continue to bring out the highlights and brighten your hair naturally as the season changes from spring to summer.”

Finally, finish off summer preparation with a colored or clear gloss to give a shiny, healthy glow. Gloss also acts as a protective barrier to the hair cuticle. And as we all know, warmer seasons mean more sun, and more sun means more damage — hair, like skin, needs all the protection it can get!

Yuki Sharoni is the creator and owner of Los Angeles’ hair salon and spa Yuki Sharoni: Beauty & Lifestyle. Yuki Sharoni has a devoted following of A-list Hollywood celebrities and influential tastemakers who rely on Yuki’s unique philosophy that combines the practice of ancient wisdom and the consistent skill and vision of modern science. Yuki Sharoni: Beauty & Lifestyle offers a complete range of services including cut, color and blow-dry, body treatments, waxing, manicures, pedicures, and of course massages.

Five terrific tress tips

September 22, 2006 at 1:11 am | In Taking care of you | Leave a Comment

Five ways to make your crowning glory even more glorious exerpted from Ooh la la! Perfect Hair.

Not so dumb
Blondes have about 140,000 hairs on the head. This is the most of any hair color count. Brunettes average 100,000, and redheads about 90,000. For those without abundant blonde tresses, take comfort in knowing that blonde hair is typically finer, making it harder to hold a style. However, nowadays no one with fine, limp hair has to suffer. The current trend in hair styling products includes thickeners, which help add body to fine hair, creating the illusion of more voluminous hair. Be sure to ask your stylist which products will work best on your type of hair, be it fine, thick, or curly.

Royal treatment
Cleopatra kept her tresses flowing with this simple hair treatment. Combine 1/2 cup of honey with two tablespoons of olive oil. Mix well. Work into the scalp and down through the hair all the way to the ends. Using a wide-tooth comb, gently work the honey/olive oil mixture through your hair. Next, cover hair with a plastic shower cap and allow the treatment to work for 30 minutes. For an extra beauty benefit, place a towel in the microwave for a few moments and then surround the plastic cap with the warm towel to help the treatment penetrate even deeper. Shampoo out, rinse well, and pat dry. Hair will be silky, smooth, and luxuriously shiny-there’s no de-Nile.

Take your time
In our daily dash to shower, shampoo, and condition, most of the time we do not shampoo long enough. Start by wetting the hair for at least one minute, then apply shampoo and massage into scalp and hair for another two minutes. Rinse, rinse, rinse. Apply conditioner if needed and wait for two minutes before rinsing out.

Dry run
If you need clean hair on the run with no time to wash, dry, and style, try “dry” cleaning. Talcum powder containing witch hazel, usually found in the drugstore, is an excellent quick fix for greasy hair. Put a small amount in the hands and gently rub the powder onto the scalp. Allow it to soak up the oils and debris for a couple of minutes. Then simply brush through thoroughly to remove. Your scalp will feel cleansed, and your hair will feel much fresher and cleaner and will be easier to style.

Professional strength
Professional salon products are generally better than drugstore brands. Since salon brands are targeted to salon clients, who usually use more products on their hair than the average drugstore shopper, salon products have a lower pH level than inexpensive brands. They are kinder to the hair, and are more emollient than their less costly cousins. If you color, perm, straighten, and the like, you cannot afford not to use professional products.

July 2009
M	T	W	T	F	S	S
« Nov
	1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20	21	22	23	24	25	26
27	28	29	30	31

Blog at WordPress.com. | Theme: Pool by Borja Fernandez.
Entries and comments feeds.

All about her

Woman

Age and terminology

Biology and gender

Culture and gender roles

Women’s rights

Notable women’s rights activists

Freedoms granted by religions

Sikhism

Break-up survival guide

Skin Care Part-1

Pamper Yourself

Hands and Feet

Tips

Makeup

Body Care

Hair Care

Clothing

Hair Care

Curling Iron

Hot Rollers

Goodbye dry, hello shiny summer hair

Five terrific tress tips

Categories

Meta

Archives